By Vergel Labesig
THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers condemned former President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement urging his daughter Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to confront ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro on her statement on the use of intelligence funds.
ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said Duterte’s rhetoric is a reaffirmation of his fascist character, which his daughter has perpetuated since taking office, thereby undermining the rule of law and the democratic rights of citizens.
“Evidently, this reaction is tied to the House of Representatives’ decision to remove confidential funds from civilian agencies, including the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, both of which are headed by Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte as a result of widespread criticism and opposition from the Makabayan bloc, other legislators, and the public during the recent budget deliberations,” Quetua said.
ACT said that the real threat to peace and security are “fascists and bloodthirsty tyrants” like Duterte.
“Malinaw na direktang banta ito sa buhay ni Rep. France Castro at ng mga progresibong grupo at indibidwal na naggigiit at ipinaglalaban lamang ang lehitimong panawagan at karapatan ng mga mamamayan,” Quetua said.
“Malinaw rin na ginamit at gagamitin ng estado ang confidential at intelligence funds na isiniksik at ipinipilit ng iba’t ibang ahensya sa kani-kanilang mga pondo para sa pandarahas, panunupil, at pagpaslang ng mga karaniwang Pilipino,” he added.
ACT called on the international community, the International Criminal Court, human rights organizations, and all advocates of democracy and justice to join them in denouncing state-perpetrated violence.
