MANILA, Philippines — Government surveillance of Makabayan bloc members in the House of Representatives, as admitted by Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., is unconstitutional, according to a statement that the coalition issued on Monday. ADVERTISEMENTBrosas was reacting to a statement by Parlade that Colmenares was under surveillance, along with other members of the Makabayan bloc. “Instead of wasting people’s funds on surveillance of activists, the government should rechannel intelligence funds to disease surveillance, health measures, and cash aid,” she said. In a statement, the Makabayan bloc said the surveillance might be a form of retaliation on its members. In an interview with ABS-CBN’s “Teleradyo,” Parlade said Colmenares and other Makabayan bloc lawmakers were under surveillance for their ties with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA).

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer October 26, 2020 15:00 UTC