Palparan seeks Senate seat to oppose ‘leftist’ bets

Retired Army Major Jovito Palparan Jr. of Bantay party-list group on Monday said he is seeking a senatorial seat in next year’s elections to continue his battle against left-leaning candidates and government officials. “I’d like to give opposition to a number of candidates who are identified with the Communist Party of the Philippines. I will campaign against left-leaning parties," Palparan said after filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Manila.

Palparan was referring to militant lawmakers Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna and Liza Maza of the Gabriela Women’s Party, who are both running for senator in next year’s polls. “Hopefully in the Senate someone will oppose these people who are actually not doing it for the love of the country but more of following their ideology," he said. Leftist organizations have accused Palparan of committing human rights violations during his stint in the military. Palparan has repeatedly denied the allegations and branded them as black propaganda perpetrated by groups allied with the communist movement. Palparan, who is running as an independent, said he is not closing his doors in joining major political parties. “I would love to be adopted by some major parties," he said. Pending offers from big political organizations, Palparan said he would just rely on his party-list group, Bantay, an organization that focuses on anti-communism work and supports the military by following up on their clearing operations. Bantay ranked 32nd in the Supreme Court's list of party-list groups entitled to have seats in the House. - KBK, GMANews.TV