Jose Maria Sison, Filipino activist and theorist

Jose Maria Canlas Sison, born on February 8, 1939, and widely known by his nickname Joma, is a pivotal figure in Philippine contemporary history. He is recognized as an influential Filipino writer, academic, and political activist whose life's work has profoundly shaped the trajectory of the country's revolutionary movement.

Sison is primarily celebrated as the visionary founder of the re-established Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 26, 1968. This act marked a significant ideological and organizational reorientation of the Philippine communist movement, moving away from the old Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) and striving for a more resolute and independent revolutionary path. A cornerstone of the CPP's revitalized philosophy, largely conceptualized by Sison, was the integration of elements from Mao Zedong Thought, commonly referred to as Maoism, into its foundational Marxist-Leninist principles. This unique synthesis gave rise to what became known as "national democracy" or the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) in the Philippine context.

The theoretical framework of national democracy, meticulously developed by Sison, posits that the Philippines is a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society. This analysis suggests that the nation's underdevelopment and persistent poverty are primarily caused by the dominant influence of foreign imperialism (specifically U.S. imperialism), entrenched feudal land relations, and corrupt bureaucrat capitalism. To achieve genuine national liberation, social justice, and economic emancipation, the national democratic movement advocates for a "protracted people's war." This strategy, which emphasizes building a strong base among the peasantry and encircling the cities from the countryside, is led by the working class in alliance with the peasantry and other progressive sectors.

Sison's profound intellectual contribution lies in his meticulous application of the theory of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism (MLM) to the specific historical trajectory and prevailing socio-economic circumstances of the Philippines. MLM, an advanced stage of Marxist theory, encompasses dialectical and historical materialism, political economy, and scientific socialism. Through works like "Philippine Society and Revolution," Sison provided a comprehensive theoretical blueprint for understanding Philippine society and guiding the revolutionary struggle against what he identified as its fundamental problems. His writings continue to serve as the ideological bedrock for the national democratic movement.

Internationally, Jose Maria Sison's political standing has been subject to complex legal and diplomatic interpretations. Since August 2002, the United States government, through its Department of State, has classified him as a "person supporting terrorism." This designation is typically linked to the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the CPP, which the U.S. also lists as a foreign terrorist organization. However, his legal status in Europe contrasts sharply with the U.S. classification. In September 2009, the European Union's second-highest court, the General Court, ruled decisively in his favor. The court ordered his delisting as a "person supporting terrorism" and reversed earlier decisions by EU member governments to freeze his assets. This ruling was based on procedural irregularities and an insufficiency of evidence presented by the EU Council to justify his continued inclusion on the terror list. Furthermore, since 1988, Sison has been a recognized political refugee in the Netherlands, enjoying protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This status, which prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, has provided him with asylum despite various extradition attempts and legal challenges over the decades.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jose Maria Sison

What is Jose Maria Sison primarily known for?

He is best known as the founder of the re-established Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in 1968 and as the principal ideologue behind the concept of "national democracy," which integrates Maoist thought with Marxism-Leninism applied to the unique Philippine context.

When was the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) re-established by Sison?

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) was re-established on December 26, 1968, under Sison's leadership, marking a significant turn in the country's revolutionary movement.

What is the core idea of "national democracy" as conceptualized by Joma Sison?

"National democracy," as theorized by Sison, is a revolutionary framework that analyzes the Philippines as a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society. It advocates for a protracted people's war to achieve genuine national liberation from foreign imperialism, feudal exploitation, and bureaucrat capitalism.

Why does the United States classify Joma Sison differently from the European Union?

The United States classifies him as a "person supporting terrorism," often linking him to the New People's Army (NPA). However, the European Union's General Court delisted him in 2009, citing procedural errors and insufficient evidence for maintaining the terrorist designation, recognizing his status as a political refugee.

Where has Jose Maria Sison resided as a political refugee?

Jose Maria Sison has been a recognized political refugee in the Netherlands since 1988, where he has been under the protection of international conventions, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.