ACT party-list hits Duterte over death threats

MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) condemned yesterday the statements of former president Rodrigo Duterte openly threatening critics, particularly ACT party-list Rep. France Castro, who pushed back against his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential fund bid and spending.

In a statement, ACT said the former president’s statements against Castro, among the key figures who pushed Congress to realign the Vice President’s confidential and intelligence funding, were “deplorable” and “a reaffirmation of his outright fascist character, which his daughter has perpetuated since taking office.”

The teachers’ group was addressing the older Duterte’s interview with SMNI the other day, where he defended his daughter’s bid for confidential funds before Congress.

During the interview, Duterte referred to Castro as one of his “friends” due to her political affiliations. While he held contempt against the Left for their criticisms of confidential funds, the former president said, “because they are my friends…I cannot tell them squarely that we are enemies. I want to kill you softly because we are friends.”

“This statement by Rodrigo Duterte, who has always been a fascist and a murderer, is deplorable and disgusting. It is clear that this is a direct threat to the life of Rep. France Castro and the progressive groups and individuals who insist and fight only for the legitimate call and rights of the people,” ACT chairman Vladimer Quetua said.

Quetua said the older Duterte’s statements should not be brushed aside and taken lightly. “We must not allow the culture of murder, violation of human rights and injustice to continue to exist in our country. Executioners like Rodrigo Duterte must be held accountable for his crimes against the Filipino people and humanity,” he added.

The former president came to the defense of his daughter, who has been facing backlash over the confidential fund allocation and spending of the Office of the Vice President, Department of Education which she concurrently heads, and Davao City when she was still mayor.