There are many people in and out of our government who believe that the National Democratic Front (NDF) is a bunch of dupes, opportunists, and fellow-travelers manipulated by a cadre of communists. For this reason, they regard the NDF far more as subversive organization than as a political party.

But while they may disagree with Mr. Luis Jalandoni’s description of the NDF (which he represents in Europe) as "a major political party," (MT, Feb. 13) the more liberal ones will also acknowledge that Mr. Jalandoni has the right to describe the NDF the way he sees it.

Fairness, moreover, demands that journalists reporting on Mr. Jalandoni’s pronouncements should report the way he describes himself and his organization.

But at the same time, such journalists should also recognize that Mr. Jalandoni’s characterizations of himself and his organization are questioned by many people. In fairness to the reader, journalists should indicate that the Philippine government regards the NDF as a communist front.

The Reuters dispatch on Mr. Jalandoni fails to meet this criterion of fairness.

CARLOTA SALVADOR