Charles Teves
Sen. Ping Lacson denies ever “red-tagging” supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo, who showed up at the “Kakampink” rally in Cavite.
Lacson earlier backed Cavite 7th District Representative Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla’s accusation that the supporters at the pink rally were paid off. He also said that some were communist groups members.
“Ang pinaka-nagsa-stand out sa mga iyon eh ‘yung bandwagon. Kasi hakutan na ng tao eh. Naghahakot, tapos sabay sasabihin nila, ang daming tao. Eh, hinakot nila eh.” he said in an interview.
He added that a certain politician in Cavite paid individuals P500 each to attend a recent rally.
“May jeep, tapos may staging area, may T-shirt, may uniporme, kumpleto. Kaya alam mong hindi indigenous kasi naka-uniporme. ‘Yun ang hakot eh.” he said. “Ang uniporme nila, siyempre, pink.”
Remulla alleged that leftist students trained by the National Democratic Front (NDF) were also in attendance.
“Ang dami nilang mga estudyante, ‘yung mga aktibista, galing sa kaliwa, oo. Mga trained ng NDF, o kaya training nila. May dalang mga bandera pero pink.”
Lacson shared an article about Remulla’s claims, saying that the news was “worrisome.”
This is worrisome. A coalition government with the CPP/NPA/NDF will set back the gains of the government’s efforts to end the country’s decades-old insurgency problem. https://t.co/WC2bpG1y8g
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) March 6, 2022
He received backlash but urged people to accept the “truth.”
With all the bashing I’m getting for the “coalition with the CPP/NPA/NDF” tweet I posted earlier, there must be basis for the age-old quote – ‘truth hurts’. I care for my country that continues to suffer from the longest running insurgency in the world. I just want it to end.
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) March 6, 2022
When the criticism piled up, Lacson retracted his tweets.
I never red-tagged anybody. I was simply warning those concerned to be wary of a possible coalition government with a movement whose sole objective is to seize power. Insurgency, like corruption must end if we want peace and prosperity.
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) March 7, 2022
The senator blocked critics who called Lacson out.
Did this backfire? Definitely!! Eat your heart out, Ping Blockson!!🙄 pic.twitter.com/ulEHPdDprl
— bella (@isabelmerana) March 7, 2022
Remulla had no solid proof that the supporters were paid, yet Lacson bit the claim.
https://twitter.com/bigbrotherteej/status/1500348411169497104?s=20&t=FGKgSpZevAK-T9GVYOFIJg
Kelan next rally? Pa print ko ito as tarpaulin. Charot. pic.twitter.com/mYhCGbM8XX
— Nico Quejano (@nicoquejano) March 6, 2022
This is worrisome. A presidential candidate agreeing with a trapo and red-tagging the organizers of the May 4 rally in Cavite will set back the government's efforts to promote human rights. https://t.co/5O9tgXSRy9
— Jerry B. Grácio (@JerryGracio) March 6, 2022
Uulitin ko lang, HINDI KAMI BAYAD!
— Migz Haleco (@migzhaleco) March 6, 2022
Ping Lacson's redtagging tweet should be fact-checked. Kahit si Remulla sa radio show ay walang sinabing coalition government. Ingat tayo sa naratibong gustong palutangin nito. Tandaan din natin kung paano niya hinati ang boto ng oposisyon noong 2004. Tila ganoon pa rin siya
— Mong Palatino (@mongster) March 6, 2022
The Robredo People’s Council-Cavite released a statement following Lacson and Remulla’s accusations.
“Ang pagkakaiba-iba ng pananaw at opinyon ay hindi ‘passes’ or ‘lisensya’ na bastusin, yurakan, at maliitin ang kapasidad ng mga Caviteño na manindigan at magsakripisyo para sa katotohanan, pagbabago, at pag-asenso na minimithi ng bawat isa,” the group said.
