Senator Panfilo Lacson, the Senate committee chair on national defense and security, said holding a hearing on red-tagging exclusive for militant groups and personalities is unfair.
“Ang public hearing ng Senado ay para dinggin ang bawat panig ng issue. It is unfair for the committee to shut out either party to prevent them from confronting any issue that may need an immediate response,” Lacson said in a message.
Makabayan bloc lawmakers and Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares skipped the Senate committee’s hearing on the military’s alleged red-tagging.
The senator said militant groups such as Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Kabataan, and Gabriela “did not confirm their attendance for still unknown reasons” despite receiving the red-tagging invitation hearing.
The Makabayan bloc instead sent Atty. Maneeka Sarza as its legal counsel and to represent them during the hearing. She said the lawmakers are currently attending to their respective relief operations for Super Typhoon Rolly’s victims.
Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares also requested that another hearing be conducted but without the presence of the military, particularly Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr., Lacson said.
Red-tagging hearing exclusive to militant groups unfair – Lacson
“I would like to respectfully suggest another hearing, this time with those who are the subject of red-tagging including the celebrities, separate from the first hearing on Gen. Antonio Parlade’s allegations,” Colmenares’ letter read.
“One of the reasons for this proposal is my view that during these ‘public confrontations,’ Gen. Parlade or his witnesses will take the opportunity to use the forum to red tag us further even if they have no evidence,” he added.