More groups file complaint vs Badoy over red-tagging of Robredo, supporters
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) – More progressive groups are calling on the Office of the Ombudsman to immediately suspend Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy for red-tagging presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo and her supporters.
In a complaint filed on Wednesday, seven activist leaders from different sectors said Badoy’s “unbridled abuse” of authority “to vilify” Robredo and influence public opinion at the height of the campaign season warrants her immediate suspension from office until the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.
Badoy also serves as the spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Earlier this month, she claimed that endorsements of Robredo from Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison and the Makabayan bloc are an indication that she has "formed a tactical alliance with these communist terrorists."
According to the complainants, Badoy should be penalized “to the fullest extent of the law possible,” arguing her posts are bases for multiple criminal and administrative liabilities.
For one, they said the official violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for causing “undue injury” to Robredo’s reputation.
They added that she should be held liable for breaching the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees as well as the Omnibus Election Code, among other laws.
“Her deplorable acts are not isolated as evidenced by the many pending complaints and cases filed against her," the groups also said. "Her track-record is disgraceful and does not befit a public official.”
Complainants include leaders from Kilusang Mayo Uno, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Pambansang Lakas ng mga Mamalakaya, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, and AMIHAN National Federation of Peasant Women.
Last week, a total of 26 other people — student leaders, teachers, activists, members of the religious sector, and other concerned citizens — also filed three separate complaints against Badoy over the same issue.
