To The Manila Times: Please allow us to set the record straight regarding the column of Mauro Gia Samonte last April 24, where he claimed Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson made a “turnabout” by recommending the relief of Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. as spokesperson of the NTF-ELCAC.

Lacson clarifies position on issue of Parlade’s relief

By The Manila Times, April 26, 2021

PLEASE allow us to set the record straight regarding the column of Mauro Gia Samonte last April 24, where he claimed Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson made a “turnabout” by recommending the relief of Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. as spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).

Lacson never made such a turnabout as Mr. Samonte claimed. The committee report stemming from the Senate hearings he chaired had pointed out Lt. Gen. Parlade’s civilian position as NTF-Elcac spokesperson violates the Constitution, which bars active AFP officers from holding civilian posts.

Aside from that, Lt. Gen. Parlade has become a “liability” to the overall efforts of the government, as well as the government’s position on the pending 37 petitions against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 before the Supreme Court, mainly with his careless remarks and flawed interpretation of certain provisions of the law.

Had Mr. Samonte bothered to read up on the issue, he would not have been misled into claiming Sen. Lacson “seems to be singing a different tune” by demanding the relief of Lt. Gen. Parlade as NTF-Elcac spokesperson.

We hope this clarifies matters.

Joel Locsin
Media Relations Officer
Office of Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson