Makabayan bloc says to file cases vs red-taggers after SC ruling

Protesters from various sectors picket at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City in observance of Bonifacio Day, November 30, 2020. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Makabayan bloc on Thursday welcomed and thanked the Supreme Court (SC) for its decision that declared red-tagging a "threat to a person’s right to life, liberty, or security, which may justify the issuance of a writ of amparo."

READ: SC recognizes danger of 'red-tagging,' says may justify writ of amparo

Makabayan bloc representatives also reiterated its call for the abolition and defunding of NTF-ELCAC in the next budget cycle.

They also called on authorities to hold accountable personalities such as Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celis for engaging in red tagging that they said endangered the lives and led to the killing of activists and human rights workers.

“The good news is nagpalabas ng ganito ang Supreme Court so dapat sumabay ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno dito sa panawagan na tanggalan ng budget o talagang i-abolish na (ang) NTF-ELCAC,” Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said legal action is being prepared to seek justice for activists that have become victims of red tagging.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           READ: Marcos urged to abandon red-tagging, eliminate NTF-ELCAC after SC ruling

Manuel also condemned the ongoing red tagging seminars in NSTP subjects in schools, saying, “Dapat ma-criminalize na ang red tagging." He also called for the passage of House Bill 11152.

“Dapat lamang talaga magkaroon ng mekanismo na mapanagot ang mga red tagger at makita nila na hindi sila untouchable," he said.

Bayan Muna’s Carlos Zarate called on Congress to criminalize red tagging as he welcomed the SC decision.

“Mahalaga ito, historic ito, makasaysayan ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema dahil for the first time in-acknowledge ng Korte Suprema na ang red tagging ay hindi simpleng vilification, hindi simpleng paninira but this pust the life, security and liberty of a person in danger," he said.

The Makabayan bloc also called for the repeal of the Anti-terrorism law, which they said is being weaponized against activists.