Carpio, Morales ask SC to compel gov’t for Parlade to explain threats vs journo

MANILA, Philippines – A group led by retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has raised before the Supreme Court the threats made by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. against an INQUIRER.net reporter, whom he said can be sued for “aiding the terrorist.”

Aiding a terrorist under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is punishable with imprisonment from 12 years to life.

In a four-page manifestation filed Friday, Carpio and his group said: “They threaten criminal prosecution for a crime punishable of up to life imprisonment against Ms.  [Tetch] Tupas or any journalist who publishes any news article that may be perceived as ‘fake’ or ‘false’ by the military.”

“Such direct threats endanger fear that chills journalists or even citizens from exercising their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.”

Carpio, Morales and their fellow petitioners are one of the 37 groups challenging the legality of Republic Act No. 11479.

Parlade fumed at Torres-Tupas for her article “Tortured Aetas seek SC help against anti-terror law,” saying that her sources were “propaganda machinery” of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Torres-Tupas’ story was about the discussion of the petition of the aetas against the Anti-Terrorism Act. The aetas are arguing that the said law should be declared unconstitutional.

Parlade later earned the ire of several media organizations and lawmakers for his threats.

Similarly, the group also filed a manifestation to compel the Supreme Court to require an explanation from the OSG regarding a Jan. 16 Facebook post of Parlade, where he called on the public to be “watchful of these individuals, groups and organizations opposing a law that will protect our citizens from terrorists.”

JPV