Malacañang on Monday said the delisting of Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison from the European Union’s terrorist blacklist should pave the way for the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP)-National Democratic Front (NDF)-New People's Army (NPA).

Presidential economic affairs spokesperson Gary Olivar welcomed Sison’s exclusion from the terrorist blacklist as a positive sign for both sides to go back to the negotiating table to end the decades-old communist insurgency.

"We would like to believe that the lifting of restriction on Sison is a positive factor for the resumption of our discussion with the Left,” he told a press briefing.

He said the peace process with the CPP-NDF-NPA is “still hanging” after they demanded the government to release more rebel negotiators and consultants and provide them immunity from criminal prosecution.

“If the relaxation of restriction on Sison facilitates the resumption, we will view that as a good thing,” Olivar said, describing the delisting as a “breakthrough” in the peace process.

“We are hopeful that Mr. Sison, given the improving circumstances abroad will be able to assist in facilitating the peace process; that is our fervent hope,” Olivar said.

He said the administration is aiming to forge a peace pact with the CPP before Mrs. Arroyo steps down in June next year.

The September 30 decision of the General Court under the Lisbon Treaty, formerly the European Court of First Instance to remove Sison from the terrorist blacklist of the European Union and to unfreeze his bank account has been declared final and executory.

The Council of the European Union did not file an appeal to contest the order within the prescribed period of appeal.