Leftist solons say Duterte’s accusation vs. Taguiwalo ‘baseless,’ ‘malicious’

At least two leftist lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Tuesday hit President Rodrigo Duterte for accusing former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo of using the department's funds on the New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

In a statement, ACT Teachers party-list Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro said the accusation was "baseless" and "malicious." 

"President Duterte is only covering up his own refusal to stand by Judy in the Commission on Appointments, the reforms she started in the DSWD, and her progressive stance against pork, patronage, and anti-poor new taxes," Tinio said.

"At the same time, he is spreading lies and malicious accusations against one who, up to her rejection by the CA, had been one of the few rays of hope that the poor and marginalized had in his Cabinet."

Taguiwalo's appointment was rejected by the bicameral CA.

In a speech in San Fernando, Pampanga on Monday, Duterte accused Tagiwalo of giving funds from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to the NPA.

Castro urged Duterte to substantiate his claims with evidence.

“We also demand that he retract these insinuations immediately," she added.

The lawmakers reminded Duterte that the funds for the 4Ps are coursed through the Landbank and its conduits that pay the beneficiaries directly.

"This is also an effort to demonize the progressive people’s movement where Judy comes from and fully dedicates her work to.  Sadly, the President’s line echoes the military’s line which maliciously tags progressives as rebel supporters or NPAs themselves," they said. —Erwin Colcol/KBK, GMA News