NTF-ELCAC supports IP leaders in seeking justice vs convict France Castro

December 12, 2024 The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) fully supports the indigenous people of Talaingod, Davao del Norte, in their formal filing of an ethics complaint against Rep. Francisca "France" L. Castro of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers Party-List (ACT Party-List). The courage shown by Datu Allan Causing, Andigao Agay, and Gusting Dalyak Dausay, representing the Ata-Manobo Tribal Council of Elders and Leaders, is a significant step towards restorative justice.

The task force believes that, as public servants—especially the members of the House of Representatives—the least that we can do is to listen to their grievances, support their pursuit of justice, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

At the heart of the complaint is the conviction of Castro and 13 others over child abuse charges involving fourteen underage Lumad students on November 28, 2018. Castro's actions at that time, as rightly claimed by the Lumad elders, violated the principles of 'justness and sincerity' and 'fidelity to the people’s welfare,' as mandated by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Her acts breach her oath to serve the public with integrity, loyalty, and accountability.

The Lumad elders are fully within their rights to seek redress on behalf of their tribe for these abuses, which have caused lasting harm to their communities. Supporting them is a moral obligation and a necessary step to reinforce the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of one of our most marginalized sectors.

Furthermore, the elders' call for Castro's preventive suspension is a reasonable and prudent measure, as this upholds the integrity of the legislative process while the complaint is being investigated. Given the gravity of the allegations, the suspension will ensure that no undue influence is exerted on the proceedings.

Permitting Castro to continue occupying a seat in Congress while facing serious charges undermines public trust in government institutions, especially given her conviction for child abuse. By imposing a preventive suspension, Congress can demonstrate its commitment to uphold ethical standards and ensure justice is served.

In addition to the complaint, there are broader concerns about certain groups, particularly their use of public office and legal protection to advance the agenda of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front. These concerns, especially their unapologetic championing of the CNN's interests both in the legislature and the streets, must also be investigated. The November 2018 incident reflects how deep the grooming and indoctrination of students has become, as they were then convinced to leave their homes and livelihoods to further the political aims of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

These concerns, echoed by many former rebels and cadres of the communist movement, warrant an impartial investigation to hold the members of the Makabayan bloc accountable for their abuse of position in order to undermine democratic principles and promote violence.

The elders' action at the House of Representatives is not only a resounding rejection of the duplicitous modus operandi of convicts like Castro, who ironically continues to sit in the legislative arena. It is also a call for support that all public servants must heed, if they are truly concerned in upholding the welfare of the indigenous people.

NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU

Ref: Dr. Joel M. Sy Egco, PhD, MPSA

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