The peace agenda is crucial in ending the war between the Philippine government and the triune entity of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front. The Hague Joint Declaration, signed by both sides on September 1, 1992, stipulates the following agenda for the negotiations. The aim is to forge peace for the long term by institutionalizing substantive reforms.
Source: NDFP.net and an interview with Professor Jose Maria Sison
Human rights and international humanitarian law
Signed at The Hague in The Netherlands on March 16, 1998, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law aims to ensure the protection of the of human rights of all Filipinos and the adherence of both parties to International Humanitarian Law in the conduct of war. Only in this less hostile condition can both panels move forward to the next items in the agenda.
Social and economic reforms
The draft of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms has yet to be completed—the two sides hope to do so by September 2011. Issues currently being negotiated upon include the indigenous peoples, land reform, fisheries and forest reform, inclusive growth, environmental risk, resource access and utilization, industrial policy and agricultural development and social protection.
Political and constitutional reforms
The draft of the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms has also yet to be completed. The two sides aim to come up with such by February 2012. Issues currently being negotiated upon include the upholding of national sovereignty and abrogation of unequal treaties, the empowerment of working people, gender equality, the overhaul of the electoral system, the revamp of the judicial system and an independent foreign policy for development and world peace.
End of hostilities and disposition of forces
The end of the 18-month target timeline is the completion of the Comprehensive Agreement on the End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces draft. The two sides hope to accomplish this by June 2012. This would indicate the success of the peace process.
