FROM RED-TAGGER to rumor-monger would be an understatement to describe a little-known minion closely identified with the previous administration.
According to former presidential adviser Jose Antonio Goitia, the latest tirade hurled against Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong by a self-professed reforms activist Jeffrey Celiz — also known as Ka Eric, is no more than an effort to sow confusion.
He particularly took a swipe at Ka Eric’s claim that Magalong resigned due to pressure from President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. — “such claims are weapons of disinformation primarily designed to distort the truth and erode public trust.”
DUBIOUS RECORD
“And especially coming from someone like Celiz, whose track record is riddled with lies, these pronouncements can never hold the truth because they are falsehoods covering Celiz’s personal political agenda,” he added.
A civic leader serving as chairman emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), Goitia described Celiz as an avid fan and supporter of the Davao Death Squad (DDS).
Interestingly Ka Eric first gained prominence over alleged links to illegal drug trade during the previous administration. After he was linked to drug activities in Iloilo City, he fled abroad and went incognito.
From nowhere, Celiz — for the nth time — took the centerstage.
WRONG MISTAKE
Goitia disclosed the truth contradicting Celiz’s allegation: “Mayor Magalong himself explained that he stepped down to protect the integrity of the anti-corruption fight. That was his personal and principled choice.”
“Ka Eric’s version that the President ordered Magalong to stop an investigation or that he refused to meet in Malacañan is pure invention. The President never gave such an order,” the civil leader noted.
“These lies are crafted to deceive and destabilize,” averred Goitia who also leads People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement.
According to Goitia, Celiz has a history of peddling unverified stories and wild accusations, often without evidence.
RUMOR PEDDLER
“This is not the first time Ka Eric has tried to stir controversy by spreading rumors dressed as revelations. Time and again, he has built his notoriety by making reckless claims that collapse under scrutiny,” an obviously pissed off Goitia said.
“His track record shows a pattern of exploiting the people’s fears and frustrations, not of providing truth. He is not a whistle blower (but) a fabricator.”
Goitia also dismissed the sensational claim that Magalong “snubbed” the President: “The Office of the President is not a gossip arena. To spin stories about supposed refusals is childish and disrespectful,” he said.
“Mayor Magalong is a man of integrity. His decision deserves respect, not to be twisted into cheap drama by people who thrive on scandal.”
DRAGGING AFP
He condemned Ka Eric’s attempt to drag the Armed Forces into political intrigue.
“Let me be clear: it is reckless to use the AFP as props in lies and speculation. Our soldiers have one sacred duty to defend the Republic under civilian authority. To spread rumors that they are restless or plotting is an insult to their honor.”
Goitia finds Celiz’s statement as false, divisive and dangerous to the very least.
“It plants fear where there should be trust, and it weakens the very institution that safeguards our democracy. Those who tarnish the dignity of our men and women in uniform with baseless stories should be held accountable.”
Goitia stressed that while freedom of expression is protected, deliberate falsehoods do not fall under its protection.
DISTORTED NOTION
“Freedom of speech is not freedom to lie. Ka Eric and those like him may think they are just exercising their right to talk, but when words are built on lies and meant to destabilize, that is not democracy. That is sabotage, and sabotage must never be excused as liberty.”
Goitia ended with a direct appeal to the people.
“Filipinos deserve truth, not hysteria. President Marcos has led with patience, prudence, and integrity. He continues to respect the law even when critics try to twist the narrative against him.”
“We must not allow Ka Eric’s disinformation to divide us or erode trust in our institutions. Rumors fade, but the truth and the Republic will endure. Unity behind the President, not hysteria from rumor-mongers, is what will protect our democracy,” he quipped.