Liza Soberano (left) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. (right)
MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. on Friday denied he was red-tagging Actress Liza Soberano, saying his controversial statement was “taken out of context.”
“Hindi. Out of context iyong mga nag-co-comment na iyan. Ako feeling ko si [Samira] Gutoc hindi nabasa yung statement ko, even Senator [Risa] Hontiveros. I believe the good senator wasn’t able to read my statement about that issue,” Parlade said over ABS-CBN Teleradyo when asked if he was red-tagging Soberano.
(No. That was taken out of context, those who were giving comments. I think Samira Gutoc was not able to read my statement, even Senator Risa Hontiveros. I believe the good senator wasn’t able to read my statement about that issue.)
He explained that his statement was addressed to bashers who are “red-tagging” the actress.
“Kasi very clear yung statement kung saan naka-address iyon. Ang statement ko naka-address sa bashers ni Liza Soberano. Ang sinasabi ko sa kanila na unfair na i-re-red-tag ninyo si Liza Soberano kasi legitimate lang yung hinain nang nilalabas niya,” Parlade said.
(The statement is very clear. It was addressed to her bashers. I told them that it was unfair to red-tag Liza because her concerns are legitimate.)
The top-ranking military official stressed he had nothing against women’s rights but noted that he was against Gabriela Partylist.
“Ako naniniwala sa adbokasiya niya defending women’s rights. Mali lang yung plataporma kaya siya na-bash kasi nandoon siya sa platform ng Gabriela,” Parlade said.
(I believe in her advocacy for defending women’s rights. But her platform was wrong because she was bashed for using Gabriela’s platform..)
Previously, Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas condemned the military official for trying to “mansplain” things after Parlade told critics of Soberano that the actress needs to be educated about the reported agenda of the party-list group. Mansplain means men explaining issues to women in a condescending and belittling manner.