PRESS STATEMENT
The Legal Cooperation Cluster expresses its unequivocal support to the filing of an Ethics Complaint before the Committee on Ethics and Privileges of the House of Representatives against ALLIANCE OF CONCERNED TEACHERS (ACT) Party-List Representative France L. Castro (Castro) by the Ata-Manobo Tribal Council of Elders and leaders of the Talaingod-Indigenous Political Structure.
In the said Complaint, Castro violated Republic Act No. 6713 and the Code of Conduct for the Members of the House of Representatives following her conviction for committing child abuse against fourteen (14) Lumad learners from Talaingod, Davao del Sur. What is more, Castro, previously introduced House Resolution No. 756, which sought to revoke the designation of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and the National Democratic Front (NDF) as terrorist organizations.
To stress, Castro, as a public official, “shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino people” and “commit [herself] to the democratic way of life and values.” Too, as a member of the House of Representatives, she is expected to “act at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House of Representatives.”
Castro’s criminal conviction and her blatant support of terrorist organizations, which espouse ideals antithetical to the democratic government of the Republic of the Philippines, only show that she is unfit to hold public office. Her actuations, in addition to tarnishing the integrity and reputation of the House of Representatives as an institution, are undoubtedly unbecoming of a public servant.
Unsurprisingly, Castro was quick to portray herself as the “victim,” claiming that the Complaint was allegedly “meant to intimidate and harass those who stand in solidarity with oppressed communities.” A pot calling the kettle back. Lest it be forgotten, it was Castro who was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of abusing children from an indigenous cultural community.
Despite attempts to muddle the issue and maliciously impute ill-motive on the complainants, her day of reckoning has come and Castro must face the consequences of her actions. Let this be a reminder to all, no one – not even a sitting member of the Congress - is above the law.
NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU
Ref: Dr. Joel M. Sy Egco, PhD, MPSA
09155506969
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