The negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front (NDF) Monday joined the nation in grieving the demise of former President Aquino, calling her a freedom fighter and opponent of the term extension of President Arroyo.

In a statement, the NDF negotiating panel stressed that “Corazon Aquino was an outstanding and inspiring figure in the anti-fascist alliance against the Marcos dictatorship, especially after the assassination of her husband, Benigno Aquino. She was openly critical of the long-running support of the US for the Marcos dictatorship in exchange for the aggrandizement of US economic interests and the continuance of the US military bases.”

NDF said Aquino redeemed her pledge to release all political prisoners, including Prof. Jose Maria Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the Chief Political Consultant of the NDF, and engaged the revolutionary coalition in peace negotiations “but the military and police caused the termination of the ceasefire agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP when they indiscriminately fired on the peasants and their urban supporters marching for land reform on January 22, 1987.”

Even as the 1987 Constitution, which was framed under the Aquino administration, contains provisions which may be used to counter land reform, NDF said, “it also carries provisions which uphold human rights and restrain the proclamation of martial law, retain national restrictions on foreign investments and prohibit foreign military bases, foreign troops and nuclear weapons on Philippine soil.”

In spite of her efforts to continue with the peace talks, certain factions in government derailed the talks, which Tarlac Rep. Jose V. Yap tried to resume in discussions with NDF officials in The Netherlands in September 1990.

“Aquino strongly opposed the grossly anti-democratic policies and actions of her successors, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In this regard, she was willing to join up with the patriotic and progressive forces of the people in mass protest actions,” the panel added.

“Though suffering from failing health, she condemned the anti-democratic machinations of Mrs. Arroyo to cling to power beyond her term ending in June 2010. From her sickbed, she sent a powerful message of support to thousands of demonstrators protesting Mrs. Arroyo's Con-Ass scheme. She called it ‘a shameful abuse of power!’” the NDF stressed.

The NDF statement was signed by panel chairman Luis G. Jalandoni, vice chairman Fidel V. Agcaoili, chief political consultant Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, senior legal adviser Romeo T. Capulong, political consultant Vicente Ladlad, and members Julieta de Lima–Sison, Coni K. Ledesma and Asterio B. Palima, and consultants Dan Borjal, Randall Echanis, Rafael Baylosis and Elizabeth Principe.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday canceled its legislative business for the week in deference to the death of Mrs. Aquino.

The House conducted no business except to honor Mrs. Aquino and the session was devoted to the delivery of eulogies on her life and character.

Members of the Lower Chamber passed various resolutions expressing the country’s deep gratitude to all her sacrifices and unwavering commitment to democracy.

The Philippine flag at the Batasan complex in Quezon City has been flown at half-mast since Mrs. Aquino died last Saturday.

The House leadership also offered a memorial mass for the former President at the South Wing Lobby of the Batasan complex yesterday afternoon.

Speaker Prospero Nograles, who joined President Arroyo in her working visit to the United States, eulogized Mrs. Aquino for her “greatness” which, he said, “lies in her profound love of God and country.”

“In defense of freedom, a simple grieving widow, President Cory brought back life to our dying democracy, rallied a desperate people to unite amid hopelessness during the darkest hours of our nation’s history,” Nograles said.

The House leader noted that even in death, Mrs. Aquino “continues to unite our people and rally behind her conviction that the Filipino people will overcome adversities.”

Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III led 17 other lawmakers belonging to the Liberal Party in filing Joint Resolution 40 declaring Mrs. Aquino’s birthday on January 25 as a national celebration to be called “Cory Aquino Day.”

Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra also filed a resolution granting Mrs. Aquino the “penultimate commendation and accolade for restoring democracy, peace and prosperity to the country.”

“The very least that this August Body should immortalize the perseverance and strength of the late Corazon C. Aquino in restoring democracy, peace and prosperity to the country and to bestow upon her, albeit posthumously, the highest commendation and accolade that the House of Representatives can bestow upon any person,” Mitra said in House Resolution 1301.

Nograles and Majority Leader Rep. Arthur Defensor of Iloilo also filed separate resolutions honoring Mrs. Aquino’s life and contribution and expressing the country’s gratitude to her. (with a report by Edmer F. Panesa)