IPs group files ethics complaint against France Castro over endangering minors conviction

An indigenous peoples (IPs) group filed an ethics complaint against House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro on Tuesday, alleging her conviction for endangering minors in a lower court.

The Ata-Manobo Tribal Council of Elders and leaders of Talaingod Political Structure argue that Castro should be removed from her position due to her conviction under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

In July, a Tagum City Regional Trial Court ruled that Castro and others violated the act when they transported 14 minor Lumad learners on foot without proper assistance or permission in November 2018.

Israelito Torreon, legal counsel for the complainants, urged the House to investigate Castro's administrative guilt under Republic Act 6713, which requires public officials to uphold ethical standards and public interest.

Castro denounced the ethics complaint as a baseless harassment suit on Wednesday, emphasizing that her case is still under appeal and highlighting her commitment to fighting for justice and accountability for oppressed communities.

She accused those behind the lawsuit of being gross human rights violators and plunderers attempting to retaliate and cover up their wrongdoings, noting that cases against her are a way to intimidate and harass those who stand in solidarity with oppressed communities.