Rep. Zarate warns of increased lies, red-tagging with new NTF-ELCAC spox

House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate warned the public to expect an increase in lies and red-tagging activities following the NTF-ELCAC's decision to appoint additional spokespersons.

Zarate asserted that the move by the NTF-ELCAC is a strategy to relieve Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. and Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy from their usual duties.

He expressed concern that the increased number of spokespersons could lead to more disinformation, fake news, trumped-up charges, and extrajudicial killings.

The lawmaker also criticized the NTF-ELCAC for being overbudgeted and suggested that the appointment of more spokespersons is an attempt to deflect criticism regarding their alleged spread of falsehoods.

Zarate pointed out that even with more spokespersons, their statements would likely not hold up in court, thus further wasting taxpayer money and drawing more condemnation.

He is among the legislators who have called for the defunding of the NTF-ELCAC due to its alleged red-tagging of innocent individuals and progressive thinkers.