Speaker of the House of Representatives backs Makabayan bloc and warns of blanket anti-terrorist labeling

MANILA – House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco came out on Tuesday in defense of the Makabayan progressive bloc in the lower house following an escalation of the terrorist labeling of a military officer.

In a statement, Velasco warned Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. against labeling members of the House of Representatives red, saying the act “endangers the lives of these duly elected officials.”

“General Parlade should be more prudent and cautious when issuing statements against members of the House whose lives he can put in great risk and danger without solid evidence … [T]These legislators are duly elected representatives of the people, and it makes no sense to involve them in issues that have not yet been sustained, “said Velasco.

Parlade is the commander of the Luzon Southern Command and spokesperson for the controversial National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which is accused of targeting government activists and dissidents.

Recently, she made headlines after “warning” Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and actress Liza Soberano about her alleged ties to Gabriela, a women’s rights group that claimed to be a front for the communist movement.

Parlade later made the same accusations against other members of the Makabayan bloc.

Earlier, House Minority Leader Joseph Paduano urged House leaders to defend the Makabayan bloc from Parlade’s terror label.

Velasco said that, as president, it was his mandate to “protect” members of the chamber from “careless accusations” that put them in danger.

“As Speaker of the House, I have a duty to protect them from possible harm due to these careless accusations so that they can carry out their legal and constitutional mandate as members of Congress,” Velasco said.

“If you have evidence, gather it and go to court, not the media,” he added.

The Makabayan Bloc is made up of representatives of Bayan Muna. Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia Cullamat, ACT Teacher Representative. Francia Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas and the youth representative. Sarah Elago |