Lawmakers seek tough penalties vs Red-tagging

MANILA, Philippines — Lamenting the authoritarian tendencies of some officials, two congressmen separately pushed pro-democracy legislation that would impose stiff penalties on those who insist on violating the civil rights of others by “Red-tagging” or “Red-baiting.”

1-Pacman Rep. Michael Romero and Parañaque Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting separately filed similar bills imposing 10 years imprisonment or perpetual disqualification from holding public office or both on those convicted of Red-tagging.

In House Bill No. 9309, Romero said Red-tagging “exposes innocent people to serious dangers” against their rights, warning that individuals accused of having links with the communist rebels could be subjected to surveillance, interception, and recording of their communication, and might face detention.

No place in society

Romero tagged Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. and Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, both of the government’s anti-communist task force, as improperly making accusations without evidence.

“To put it bluntly, these acts of Red-tagging or Red-baiting by anyone, whether by a private individual or state personnel, without presenting hard evidence has no place in our society and should stop,” Romero said.

In her proposed House Bill No. 9170, Tambunting said there had been a rise in Red-tagging of human rights advocates, labor union leaders, teachers, journalists, religious groups, students, and even members of the House of Representatives.

Like Romero, she said those convicted of Red-tagging must be punished with “perpetual absolute disqualification to hold public office.”