The government “has no sufficient factual basis at this time to initiate an investigation” into reports that opposition candidates have allied with communist groups, Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said on Wednesday, March 16.
Guevarra said “there's nothing unlawful for any groups associated with the CPP/NPA/NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, National Democratic Front) to support any political party or individual in the forthcoming elections.”
“It is when they commit acts of violence to sow terror and destabilize public order in the guise of exercising their political rights that will prompt the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to take action,” he warned.
Presidential candidate and Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo has denied accusations that she will form a coalition government with the CPP, NPA and NDF once she gets elected.
“Para klaro: kasinungalingan ito (To be clear: these are all lies),” Robredo posted in her Facebook account.
“Once and for all: Kaliwa, kanan, taas, baba, lahat handa tayong pakinggan -- basta tapat, mapayapa, at handang magtrabaho para iangat ang buhay ng Pilipino (Once and for all: left, right, above and below will be heard as long as they are honest, peaceful and will work in uplifting the lives of Filipinos),” she declared.
Also, Robredo said she does not believe in violence in solving any problems.
“Hindi ako makikipag-alyansa sa mga ganun or sa mga naniniwala dun (I won’t ally myself with those who believe in violence),” she stressed.
“Priority ko ang magtrabaho sa mapayapang paraan para sa dignidad ng bawat tao, ang empowered and responsible exercise of freedoms, at ang fairness (My priority is to work in a peaceful manner for the dignity of every person, the empowerment and responsible exercise of freedoms, and fairness),” she added.