SolGen Calida to Jim Paredes: Pick on someone your own age

Solicitor General Jose Calida on Monday turned the tables on singer Jim Paredes who figured in a controversial encounter with young supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte during the 31st anniversary celebration of People Power revolution last Saturday.

Calida slammed Paredes for his behavior toward the members of the Duterte Youth at the People Power Monument, who the solicitor general presented in a press conference at the Office of Solicitor General in Makati City.

"Pasalamat si Jim Paredes hindi pinatulan nito kundi bugbog sarado 'yang si Jim Paredes. Mabuti pa sila may good manners and right conduct," the government lawyer said.

The solicitor general said the 65-year-old Paredes should not pick a fight with young people.

"Now Jim Paredes. Look at me. Huwag mong patulan itong mga bata. Look for a person your age. Siguro magka edad tayo. Sinabihan mo silang duwag? You try calling me I'm duwag. Humamon ka di sa mga bata. Hamonin mo yung kagaya mo," said Calida, who called Paredes an "arrogant Atenista."

Paredes finished his communication arts degree from the Ateneo De Manila University, where Calida took up law.

Calida praised the young men for standing for what they believe in and awarded them with a "Republic Defenders" pin.

"We are supporting them as part of defenders of the Republic," the solicitor general said.

The group is already looking into the possibility of filing unjust vexation charges against Paredes, a vocal supporter of former President Benigno Aquino III. —NB, GMA News