Former Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay said it is pointless to call for the resignation of controversial Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade because he won't, adding that the controversial general is doing exactly what his political benefactors want him to do.
Due to his reckless red-tagging, various groups and individuals have called for the resignation of Parlade, spokesman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
“It's pointless asking General Parlade to resign because he won't. Hindi aalis ‘yan sa pwesto (He will not resign). And I doubt if he will be fired,” he said in a statement.
The red-tagging of Parlade is not about facts or reality, the former vice president said.
“It is not grounded on respect for the free exchange of ideas. Anyone who opposes or criticizes the government - or even files a news report not to his liking - is either a sympathizer or a certified terrorist that needs to be dealt with harshly,” he said.
“This is the playbook and Parlade is coach, player, and cheerleader rolled into one. I won't be surprised if Parlade will imitate the Palace spokesperson and tell his critics ‘Manigas kayo.’”
Military’s red-tagging of colleges and universities, according to Binay, is mounting an assault on critical thinking.
“They want our universities to produce citizens who are pliant, obedient, and unquestioning,” he said.
“They forget that critical thinking leads to advances in science, medicine, arts, and society. Stifle it and you choke progress,” the former vice president said.
The military was reminded by Binay that in a democracy, the role of education “goes beyond providing a steady workforce for enterprises.”
In January, Parlade red-tagged around 18 colleges and universities, claiming they are recruitment grounds for communist groups.