Liza Soberano was unfazed by the military official’s statement, ‘the right to freedom of expression will continue’

MANILA – Actress Liza Soberano will continue to express her views despite being threatened by a senior military official for defending women’s rights, her camp said Friday.

“Liza is not afraid of this declaration of [Lt.] Gen. Antonio Parlade [Jr.]. Although I must say that we take note of the general’s advice, unsolicited as it may seem, “the actress’s attorney, Juanito Lim Jr., told ANC’s” Matters of Fact. “

“However, please note that Ms. Soberano will continue to exercise her constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression without fear or restriction from anyone.”

Parlade, of the National Working Group to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), drew criticism after warning the actress that she would end up being assassinated if she continued to support the Gabriela women’s group.

This, after Soberano participated in a webinar conducted by Gabriela Juventud on the well-being of children and women.

“Liza Soberano, there is still the possibility of abdicating from that group. If you don’t, you will suffer the same fate as Josephine Anne Lapira, ”Parlade said in a statement.

Lapira, a UP Manila student, died in a meeting between state forces and suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Nasugbu, Batangas, in November 2017.

Parlade made the same threat to Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and actress Angel Locsin was also allegedly part of the underground movement.

For Lim, his client has nothing to fear.

“As any civilian would feel, being labeled red could cause some kind of chilling effect, but going into this particular situation with Ms. Soberano, we feel like there is nothing to worry about where Liza is concerned because, like what we have previously stated that he has not committed any crime other than expressing his opinions, ”he said.

He also maintained that the actress was not a member of Gabriela or of any left-wing or cause-oriented group.

“Liza is still apolitical,” he said, adding that his client is neutral and does not favor any group.

Sovereign, who was last seen on ABS-CBN Teleserye “Make It With You,” is currently in the United States.