JMS: Frankly speaking, I am not optimistic that negotiations can result in a just settlement. Like its predecessors, the Aquino regime is too servile to US imperialism and stands as the current chief representative of the local exploiting classes, the comprador big bourgeoisie and landlord class. It has shown no inclination to assert national independence and undo unequal treaties, agreements and arrangements that keep the Philippines semi-colonial. It also has shown no inclination to realize democracy through significant representation of workers and peasants in government and through land reform and national industrialization. It has become clear that the reactionary government is not seriously interested in peace negotiations as a way of addressing the roots of the armed conflict through agreements on basic reforms. Especially under the Aquino regime, the negotiators are always trying to lay aside the substantive agenda and to push the NDFP towards capitulation and pacification.
*Si G. Rogelio L. Ordonez ay isang premyadong manunulat si – kuwentista’t nobelista, makata’t peryodista — Gantimpalang KADIPAN sa sanaysay at maikling kuwento, Gantimpalang Liwayway sa nobela, Gawad Balagtas sa pamamahayag, Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas sa literatura, Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission sa sanaysay, atbp.Dati rin siyang kagawad ng patnugutan ng Pilipino Free Press, kapatid na magasin noon ng Philippines Free Press. Naging kagawad din siya ng patnugutan ng Asia-Philippines Leader sa ilalim ng pamamatnugot ni Nick Joaquin at naging kolumnista din ng Tempo at Diario Uno. Dati siyang Editor-in-Chief ng Pinoy Weekly at kasalukuyang Tagapangulo ng Lupong Patnugutan nito.Isa siya sa limang awtor ng Mga Agos sa Disyerto, kalipunan ng piling maiikling kuwento sa Filipino, gayundin ng mga nobelang Limang Suwail at Apoy sa Madaling Araw.