Against Terrorism
Government Combines Hardware Procurement and Livelihood Funding

By AURORA J. CASIMPAN / PIA 8
June 20, 2006

"...communism and democracy will never be able to work harmoniously."

Peace for all!

Everyone in the country aspires for a lasting peace to finally settle so that development can move and services can be delivered to all who need it most – the people in the countryside.

But apparently, the ideal of peace is diametrically opposed between practitioners of different ideologies.

Ideological differences is apparently difficult in fostering alliances or partnership. They are not ideal for any form of union either.

Take the case of governance as an example. The democratic form of government practiced in the country has opened its doors to left leaning ideologists. They were allowed to join mainstream politics as their acceptance was legally mandated by Philippine laws. To date, the Communist Party and its cabals have seats in the legislative branch of the government having been elected into positions. Their integration into the government is indicative of everyone’s wish to stamp out disharmony among the citizens of the country. The acceptance mean that their aspirations would have a venue for representation.

Ideally, their presence is welcome as they serve as the mouthpiece of the real aspirations of the masses, considering their grasp of the situation of the grassroot. Further, said group act as the check and balance in most areas of government actions. These group make their presence known via voicing their agreements or disagreements with administration people.

But sadly, the fang of ideology has spit out its poison. Facts show that communism and democracy will never be able to work harmoniously. It’s either communism or democracy – which should prevail?

The government has tried all means to reach out and involve the CPP-NPA in its development programs for the country. But time and again development has been derailed by communist actions. The people are deprived and are short-changed by irresponsible and selfish actions of the left.

What is the government to do in response? It cannot forever wait for the left to back off and let the job of upliftment begin. The leftist movement does not seem eager in bringing development to the countryside as it would deprive them of a good source of livelihood. The countryside teems with full and easy means of livelihood.

But the administration is determined to grasp the bull by its horns. Should the means to reign involve confrontational then it will equip itself with the proper shield of winning the battle of bringing terrorism to its knees. Right now, the President has allocated one (1) billion pesos for hardware procurement for the military as an insurance for the battle ahead. The police will also be mobilized to work hand in hand with the military in its fight against terrorism.

Above all the preparations, the President still ideally believes in allocating livelihood funds as a means of pushing development. At least the countryside can use the funds for livelihood projects.