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MANILA, Philippines – Party list group Bayan Muna has called for the dismantling of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) amid problems plaguing the task force regarding etiquette. red, urging his fellow legislators in the Senate to consider withdrawing their funds.
Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate and Representative Ferdinand Gaite said Friday that the NTF-ELCAC should not receive taxpayer money if all it does is spread lies and misinformation about people expressing their legitimate disagreement.
This request from the two legislators came after NTF-ELCAC member and head of the Philippine Armed Forces Command (AFP), Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr., received criticism for warning actress Liza Soberano not to be associated with the Gabriela Women’s Party list: which some perceived as a threat.
In his statement, Parlade said that Sovereign should not be subject to red labels, or to label people as sympathizers of the communist armed movement, as he is “not yet” a member of the New People’s Army. Then he said that the also actress and activist Angel Locsin would not tell Soberano the truth about the sister of the ex, who is supposedly a member of the NPA.
READ: Stop ‘mansplaining’: Parlade reprimanded for ‘threats’ against Liza Soberano and other celebrities
“We have here a working group that only spreads lies, misinformation and false news that would be financed by around 19 billion pesos of taxpayer money that could have been assigned to fight the Covid pandemic, provide help to those who remained. without work due to the pandemic and help our agriculture, “said Zárate.
“Your main spokesperson, General Parlade’s sole occupation now is to defame, label as red or terrorist any group or individuals such as Liza Soberano, Angel Locsin, Ella Colmenares and Catriona Gray, or anyone who opposes or criticizes the Policy of Duterte administration people. So why waste your hard-earned money on this bogus news agency and just dismantle it?
According to Zárate, the P19 billion funds placed for NTF-ELCAC should be allocated elsewhere, likely to assist the government in its response to COVID-19.
In a social media post, celebrity Angel Locsin, whose sister Ella Colmenares was tagged by Parlade as a member of the NPA, also said that NTF-ELCAC funds will be allocated to soldiers on the front lines and other departments of the Forces. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
READ: Angel Locsin: ‘If we have different beliefs, it doesn’t mean you can label me red’
Parlade reacted on Wednesday to Soberano’s attendance at an online forum hosted by Gabriela, warning her that Locsin would not tell her about Colmenares’ membership in the NPA. But many people criticized this measure from Parlade, saying it is a veiled threat against women activists.
The groups have pointed out that Soberano limited himself to talking about women’s rights and not about communist or leftist ideologies. On Parlade’s side, he insisted that he did not intend to threaten any of the artists, as he was only advising Soberano.
Meanwhile, Gaite said that funds from NTF-ELCAC could be misused, such as the way state authorities manipulated photos of alleged rebels turned over.
“Gen. Esperon also appeals that this allocation of funds seeks to develop our rural communities, then we ask: why not give control of these funds directly to the agencies involved, those that have the legal mandate? ”. Gaite asked.
“Why does this fund need to go and need approval from NTF-ELCAC instead of going directly to the implementation of projects that would stimulate rural development?” added. “It also asks you to ask yourself, why ask for control of these funds during a preparatory year for the 2022 elections? Why hang this multi-million dollar carrot now?
Parlade again found himself on the path of controversy after he asked earlier if Manila Mayor Isko Moreno welcomes NPA rebels to the city after the latter ordered the removal of the Party-declaring tarps. Communist of the Philippines, the National Democratic Front and the NPA as people. non grata.
Gaite asked if NTF-ELCAC funds would be used to produce similar materials.
“Would this fund be used to dismantle legitimate popular organizations, including the support base of progressive party lists, a goal that the NTF-ELCAC so desperately strives for? Would this fund be used to hang tarps and spread black propaganda and fake news? “Gaite questioned.
JE
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