The Makabayan bloc on Monday slammed what it termed as “desperate attacks” of Duterte-backed groups who allegedly spread misinformation on the disqualification of progressive party-list groups that include Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Gabriela and ACT Teachers.
It also questioned the Philippine National Police (PNP) for allegedly violating election laws by distributing black propaganda materials tagging them as “NPA supporters.”
According to Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, an anonymous Facebook page “Diego Pagbabago” obviously seemed to have generated tons of deliberate made-up news against the bloc.
“With the series of anonymous threats and harassment done to our progressive youth leaders these past few days, it comes with no surprise that the desperation of these Duterte-backed groups has gone this low,” she said.
“The Duterte administration can no longer play the same old tune on us, his online troll army would get him nowhere in the face of the people’s legitimate outcry for their basic socioeconomic demands, the youth’s access to free education, right to basic social services, defense of our national sovereignty, among others. These are the pressing issues that the government should address, instead of feeding fake news,” Elago added.
For its part, Gabriela said, the party-list members of the bloc were never disqualified in the polls.
“Those behind this malicious spread of lies should be held liable on several counts, including the unauthorized use of the official logo of the Commission on Elections [Comelec],” it added. “We call on the Comelec to investigate this massive disinformation campaign and hold liable those behind it,” the group said.
Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate also hit the PNP for allegedly distributing black propaganda materials against the Makabayan bloc in Manila.
Citing election watchdog Kontra Daya, Zarate said police were distributing printed materials tagging Bayan Muna party-list as “NPA supporters” at Geronimo Elementary School in Sampaloc, Manila.
The group said bloc was readying administrative and criminal charges against the policemen involved.
