De Lima says red marking against Robredo shows panic among candidates – Reuters

Re-electionist Senator Leila de Lima sees two reasons behind the “irresponsible” red-tagging of aspiring vice president Leni Robredo.

“The red flag against VP Leni’s campaign shows two things: 1. VP Leni is soaring regardless of what the polls say; and 2. The other candidates are freaking out,” De Lima said on Twitter.

Some prominent figures, including presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Cavite 3rd District Representative Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, claimed that members of communist groups around the country were among the mass participants in campaign rallies in Robredo.

READ MORE: Robredo’s side fight back; ‘irresponsible’ critics marking a new low’

De Lima further stated that red marking is an irresponsible act that only puts people’s lives at risk.

“Red marking only puts people’s lives at risk. This is irresponsible and despicable,” the senator said.

The red flag against VP Leni’s campaign shows two things: 1. VP Leni is soaring regardless of what the polls say; and 2. The other candidates panic.

— Leïla de Lima (@SenLeiladeLima) March 15, 2022

The detained lawmaker also called the red marking of the Robredo camp a “desperate attempt” and “bad propaganda” to undermine the “Kakampink revolution”.

“When we rightfully called for government help and an effective response in the midst of the pandemic, we were marked red; when we asked for investigations into the killings and persecutions, we were marked red. Everything is in Hindi kayang panindigan and pactakpan, labeling the sagot in red,” De Lima lamented.

She also said the act should be criminalized to punish those who continue to incite violence against government critics and the opposition.

“As long as red-tagging remains the state’s strategy of choice against its perceived enemies, there are no other catalysts (those arrogant catalysts won’t stop),” De Lima said.