An indigenous peoples (IPs) group has taken a serious step by filing an ethics complaint against Representative France Castro, a member of the ACT Teachers party-list and the Deputy Minority Leader in the House of Representatives. They claim that she should lose her position because of a court ruling that found her guilty of endangering children.
The complaint was filed by members of the Ata-Manobo Tribal Council of Elders from Talaingod, led by their leaders Datu Allan Causing, Andigao Agay, and Gusting Daiyak Dausay. They were supported by their lawyer, Israelito Torreon. Interestingly, Torreon also represents Apollo Quiboloy, a religious leader facing charges of human trafficking.
Torreon explained the complaint to reporters, saying:
“This is about seeking justice. Representative Castro was convicted by a Regional Trial Court for a crime, and the IPs believe she has violated the ethical standards for public officials as outlined in Republic Act 6713.”
What Is Republic Act 6713?
This law sets the rules for how government officials should behave. It says they must always put public interest first, act with honesty, and avoid wasting government resources. The tribal group argues that Castro’s actions go against these principles.
The Case Against France Castro
The case is tied to an incident in November 2018, when Castro and 17 others were accused of putting children in danger during a solidarity mission in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. At the time, Castro and her group were helping students and teachers from a Lumad school who claimed they were being harassed by a paramilitary group.
However, the court found Castro and former Congressman Satur Ocampo guilty of child endangerment in July. The sentence includes four to six years of jail time. Despite the ruling, Castro and Ocampo have appealed the decision, arguing that they were only responding to cries for help from vulnerable communities.
Castro Fights Back
Representative Castro has called the ethics complaint a “baseless harassment suit.” She believes it’s an act of revenge by people trying to hide their wrongdoings.
“We know who is behind these harassment cases. They are the same people who violate human rights and steal public funds. They are doing this to get back at us and cover up their crimes,” Castro said.
She added that the case against her and her co-accused is still being appealed.
“There is no final verdict yet. These charges are made up to scare and silence those who stand with oppressed communities. But we will not back down. We will continue to fight for justice and hold the real wrongdoers accountable.”
