BACOLOD City Representative Greg Gasayata said February 16 that he is supporting the resumption of peace talks between the government and communist rebels.
Gasataya said he signed House Resolution 769 on Tuesday, February 14, urging President Rodrigo Duterte to continue the peace negotiations.
He said the resolution justifies the unprecedented and significant advances made of the substantive agenda of the negotiations for the benefit of the Filipino people.
"I am in favor of any undertaking that could promote a peaceful existence for our nation," Gasataya added.
Last week, Duterte declared the suspension of peace talks between the government and communist rebels.
Duterte said he is not ready yet to resume peace talks with the communist group.
Gasataya said he believes that because of the recent crime incidents, President Duterte chose to suspend the peace talks.
Meanwhile, Gasataya said he is still undecided in terms of reinstating the death penalty.
He added that the debate in Congress is still ongoing and there are still changes in the inclusion and exclusion of the heinous crimes.
The heinous crimes that would be punishable by death include treason, murder, rape, qualified bribery, and possession of illegal drugs, among others.
Gasataya said he will evaluate the situation first before giving his position.
He said the Philippines was the first Asian country to abolish the death penalty under the 1987 Constitution, but it was revived during the term of former President Fidel Ramos.