Castro says ethics complaint mere harassment

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro (PHOTO FROM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES)

MANILA, Philippines — ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro and her allies in the Makabayan Coalition believe that the ethics complaints filed against her were a mere attempt at harassment, noting that the child abuse case — which supposedly was the basis of the rap — is still under appeal.

Castro, in a statement on Wednesday, said she believes the ethics complaint was just a way for “human rights violators and plunderers” to get back at her, as she and other House members have exposed issues related to former president Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte.

On Tuesday, several leaders of indigenous people went to the House of Representatives to file an ethics complaint against Castro.

“We know the people behind these harassment suits. They are the same individuals being exposed as gross human rights violators and plunderers of the people’s money. Ginagawa nila ito para maghiganti at pagtakpan ang kanilang ginawang kasamaan laban sa mamamayan,” Castro claimed.

(They are doing this to exact revenge and to cover up for the evil things they have done to the people.)

“Masyado kasing nalantad ang ginawang pagpatay sa ilalim ng pekeng drug war ni Duterte sa quad comm, at ang paglustay ng confidential funds ni VP Duterte at ngayon ay may impeachment na siyang kinakaharap at may International Criminal Court (ICC) naman ang matandang Duterte,” she added.

(This was because of quad comm revelations regarding the killings done under the fake drug war of Duterte and the massive spending of confidential funds of VP Duterte, and now, she is facing an impeachment complaint while the older Duterte has the ICC to deal with.)

According to Castro, the case against her, former Bayan Muna lawmaker Satur Ocampo, and other progressive organization members is still under appeal.

“For the record, the case against me, Ka Satur Ocampo, and our Lumad co-accused is still under appeal. There is no final verdict yet,” Castro said.

“These fabricated charges are meant to intimidate and harass those who stand in solidarity with oppressed communities. But we are undeterred. We will continue to fight for justice and accountability,” she added.

The case that Castro was referring to is the so-called Talaingod 13 for child abuse, as the lawmaker and other activists were found guilty of violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, for holding minors during a solidarity mission in Talaingod, Davao del Norte in November 2018.

The Lumad school Salugpungan in Talaingod was shut down by tribal leaders upon orders by the military. 

The teachers then left the area, bringing with them 14 Lumad learners, who were fetched by Castro and Ocampo’s group.

Former ACT Teachers party-list lawmaker Antonio Tinio said that instead of Castro, cases should be filed against those who disrespected the rights of Lumad students.

“Ang dapat kasuhan at ibilanggo ay ang mga lumalapastangan sa karapatan ng mga Lumad, hindi ang mga nagtuturo, nagtatanggol, at naglilingkod sa kanila. Patuloy naming ipaglalaban ang karapatan ng mga katutubo at ang hustisya para sa Talaingod 13,” he said.

(Those who should face cases and be jailed are those who disrespected the rights of the Lumad, not those who teach children, defend them, and protect them.  We will continue to fight for the rights of indigenous people and justice for Talaingod 13.)

Ocampo, meanwhile said that the ethics complaint against Castro only intends to divert attention from the government’s alleged shortcomings.