PRRD shrugs off Ping bid

If you are offended by name calling, file a case of libel

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has dismissed the statement of Senator Panfilo Lacson who said he is seriously considering the recommendation of criminalizing red-tagging.

In his online program, “Counterpoint,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo said the President has likened Lacson’s proposal to efforts to penalize individuals who are giving distinct description to a person.

“The President laughed. According to the Chief Executive, if you will allow Lacson’s proposal to criminalize name calling. If you call a person as a fascist, will this be considered a criminal act, just like those who are calling a person as narcissist, (which is the practice of) the yellow or dilawans,” Panelo mused.

Lacson, who chairs the Senate National Defense and security committee, said red- tagging, or the branding of government critics as communists, or enemies of the state, could be declared a criminal act.

Panelo also supported the position of Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III that individuals can file a case against those involved in redtagging.

Being a commie not a crime

“If you are of fended by name calling, file a case of libel,” Panelo added. At the same time, Panelo maintained that being a communist is not a crime.

“First being a communist is not a crime, so what’s wrong when you are tagged as a communist,” he said.

Panelo also acknowledged the sincerity of Lacson. “You know, Ping Lacson is alway sincere in his actions, let us give him credit for that,” Panelo added.

On the other hand, Panelo also chided members of the Makabayan bloc af ter denying their connection to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“They kept on reacting if they are classified as communists, or in support of the CPP-NPA but they also refuse to condemn them, so there is reason for tagging you or classifying you as communists,” he said.