📷National Security Adviser Eduardo Año
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro strongly condemned National Security Adviser Eduardo Año for his continued spread of disinformation and red-tagging through his recent statements regarding the Tagum court decision.
“We know that Año’s former boss Rodrigo Duterte is still influential in Mindanao and that the NTF-ELCAC is hellbent on having us convicted on trumped up charges,” said the teacher-solon.
Rep. Castro emphasized the grave implications of the court decision, stating, “it sends a dangerous message that those who help children against the harassment of the military, paramilitary and NTF-ELCAC will be punished. In this situation where the power and influence of red-taggers have become dominant, true justice is set aside.”
The lawmaker criticized Año’s recent statements, which she heard on the radio, claiming that no one is above the law. “These are nothing but further attempts to legitimize their red tagging and perpetuate their campaign of harassment against progressive individuals and organizations,” Castro added.
“As it is, we will face this trumped-up charge head on even if we reach the Supreme Court,” Castro declared, reaffirming her commitment to fight against injustice and continue her advocacy for children’s rights and welfare.
Rep. Castro, who has been teaching and fighting for children’s rights for the past 25 years, finds the conviction for child abuse, particularly ironic and emotionally challenging. “Of all cases, this… as a teacher, we’ve been taking care of our students for 25 years. Now, I’m being charged with child abuse,” she lamented.
The ACT Teachers Party-list representative reiterated that this legal challenge would not deter her from her plans to run for the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections, emphasizing her commitment to continue serving the Filipino people and fighting for their rights.###
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