MANILA, Philippines — While claiming that he was a “staunch anti-communist,” Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla insisted that “red-tagging people in a very public manner is unfair, unjust and downright cruel.”
“Nitong nakaraang linggo ay mariin akong tumutol sa isyu ng ‘red-tagging’ (This past week, I vehemently was against the issue of red-tagging),” Remulla said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, referring to his previous post where he slammed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.
“This is because I believe that red-tagging people in a very public manner is unfair, unjust and downright cruel,” he added.
Parlade recently made headlines for warning celebrities Liza Soberano and Catriona Gray against engaging with women’s group Gabriela, which he labeled as part of a “terrorist organization.”
The senior military official also accused Manila Mayor Isko Moreno of being a “sympathizer of terrorists” after the latter ordered the removal of tarpaulins that read the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) were declared as “persona non grata” or unwelcome persons.
Because of Parlade’s controversial remarks, the Senate on Tuesday opened its probe into the alleged red-tagging of celebrities and groups by military officials.
‘Peaceful dissent’
For Remulla, meanwhile, he believes that public red-tagging put “people’s lives and security at risk, not to mention the unthinkable damage to one’s reputation.”
“Kailanman ay hindi magbabago ang aking pananaw at paninindigan na ipaglaban ang karapatang pantao,” he said. “Hindi yata kakayanin ng konsensya ko ang manahimik habang ang mga taong walang kalaban laban ay tinatakot, pilit na ginigipit at pinagmamalupitan.”
(I will never change my belief to fight for human right. I think my conscience will not be silenced if I stay silent while other people are being harassed and threatened.)
Despite his stand against red-tagging, the Cavite governor clarified that he is a “staunch anti-communist.”
“I believe in dissent as long as it is PEACEFUL. I always make it a point to listen and to reflect. I may seldom agree but I always pick up INSIGHTS relative to what people believe in and/or are fighting for,” he said.
Remulla also set the record straight on some issues.
“I believe in GENDER equality. I believe that empowering women will fundamentally drive better and more sustainable development outcomes for all, including placing the world back on a footing to achieve more,” he said.
‘Patriot Duterte’
The governor further said he still considers President Rodrigo Duterte a “patriot,” regardless of what his critics would say.
“I believe he is sincere in his sworn duty to serve the people. Yes, marami siyang pagkukulang. Ngunit ako ay naniniwala na ang kanyang liderato ay itinakda ng tadhana,” Remulla said of the Chief Executive.
(Yes, he has a lot of misses, but I believe his leadership was by destiny.)
With 18 months before the 2022 elections, Remulla said he is joining the people in “discerning and choosing the next crop of leaders who will point us in the direction to achieve collective action.”