Youth solon calls on Bato to stop spreading misinformation, hysteria

Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago on Tuesday called on Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to stop red-tagging and fear-mongering, and to stop spreading misinformation and hysteria.

In his statement, Elago also commended the two students who allegedly went missing after they joined left-leaning organizations. The students, safe and unharmed, spoke in a press conference during which they urged the Senate and the PNP to stop using their families' private matters for "political gain."

“We hope that this would put to rest all the malicious allegations levied against progressive organizations, including Anakbayan, the League of Filipino Students, and Kabataan Party-list," said Elago.

Last week, the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Dela Rosa, held an inquiry into the cases of some senior high school students who allegedly disappeared after joining left-wing organizations.

Their parents emotionally had recounted how their children's behavior changed after being part of such progressive groups.

Dela Rosa had proposed having a police presence on school campuses as a response to the "disappearances."

Elago also took exception over the use of a family's quarrels to forward a political agenda and to legislate a crackdown on the youth's democratic rights.

She emphasized that there was nothing illegal in political participation, and neither was it an activity exclusive to adults.

“The youth have a right to speak their minds about their rights and welfare. Activism is not a crime. Activism and dissent are part of our basic rights as citizens," Elago said.

The youth, Elago pointed out, are free to exercise their voice and agency in various political and social issues, and this was a "healthy sign of maturity."

“Gising ang kabataang Pilipino. Nakikita nila na may mali, kaya sila lumalaban at naninindigan para sa magandang kinabukasan. Imbes na atakehin sila, hindi ba dapat pakinggan ng pamahalaan ang kanilang mga hinaing?" Elago said.

"Pakinggan ang boses ng kabataan na kontra sa pagpatay, kontra sa kurapsyon, kontra sa pananamantala sa mga manggagawa at magsasaka, kontra sa pangangamkam ng mga dayuhan sa ating teritoryo, at tumitindig para sa karapatan ng bawat Pilipino." — DVM, GMA News