Even if his critics are moving to disqualify him from taking a seat in the House of Representatives, newly-proclaimed Bantay party-list representative former Army General Jovito Palparan is willing to reach out and even sit beside his biggest critics—the leftists in the House of Representatives.

“Even when I was in [military] service, we always reached out to people who are fighting against government. I think government will always extend open arms to people rebelling against government. That is the policy I should take. I just have to deal with them now openly and courteously,” Palparan told reporters.

“Sitting side by side with them is not a problem for me....I have no problem with that,” he added.

Labelled by many human rights advocates as the “Butcher,” Palparan gained notoriety for allegedly masterminding the summary killings of leftist activists in areas he was previously assigned.

In 2007, the Malacanang-created Task Force Melo held him accountable—through command responsibility—for the killing of human rights activist Eden Marcellana in 2002 in Mindoro Oriental. He was then the commander of suspected killer, Army Sgt. Donald Caigas of the Army's 204th Infantry Brigade, who was based in the province.

Among the victims of the summary executions are members of militant party-list groups like Bayan Muna, Gabriela, and Anakpawis.

Palparan has repeatedly denied having ordered his men to summarily execute leftist activists.

“There is a propaganda war going on perpetrated by the insurgents against the government and military. This is just part of it,” he said.

Not marginalized?

The leftist solons are gearing to disqualify Palparan and another newly-proclaimed party-list representative, Ma. Lourdes Arroyo, sister of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.

In a separate press conference, the leftist solons said Palparan and Arroyo cannot be considered “marginalized.” The Party-List law was enacted to allow marginalized sectors to be represented in Congress.

“This is nothing personal against Palparan. Since Bayan Muna joined Congress in 2001, we have been sincerely and consistently trying to protect the intergrity of the party-list system. Based on our evaluation, Palparan cannot be considered marginalized,” Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said.

“They (generals) wield very strong influence. They are in no way marginalized,” added fellow Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño.

Last February, amid reports that Palparan would be given a post in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the leftist solons were supported by colleagues in the opposition in filing House Resolution 999. It opposed the appointment of Palparan to any post in government due to his alleged human rights violations.

In response to this argument, Palparan said: “I am not representing the military per se. I represent the marginalized sector among the people involved in the conduct of security and peace and order.” He said these include the barangay tanods, the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units, the security guards, and also the peasants.

“I represent people who have background in the military, who are mostly in the security business. They belong to the marginalized upon their retirement or discharge from service,” he said.

Palparan said he will push for laws which seek to uplift their economic conditions, and enable to them to better protect communities, including arming barangay tanods in certain areas. “It should be selective. There are areas which do not need bearing of arms,” he said.

Bantay will also advance legislation to strengthen the government's battle against counter-insurgency, and support laws that will help reduce the incidence of crimes.

'Golden' representative

With regard the sister of the First Gentleman, the leftist solons questioned the nomination of Ma. Lourdes Arroyo as the representative of Ang Kasangga, supposedly a group of small entrepreneurs.

“She is like the goose that lays the golden egg,” said Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza, referring to the Arroyo's wealthy background.

Ma. Lourdes joins his brother Negros Occidental Rep. Iggy Arroyo, and President Arroyo's sons Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo and Camarines Sur Rep. Dato Arroyo.

In a previous interview, Ma. Lourdes maintained that she will advance the interests of Ang Kasangga, not the interests of the Arroyos.

Another newly-proclaimed party-list representative, Salvador Britanico of Banat, defended the entry groups like Banat and Kasangga.

“It [marginalized] does not mean that one must be wallowing in poverty. If you look at the truly marginalized ones, they can hardly eat, they hardly have money to spend, they cannot run in any election. You cannot participate in the election unless you have money to spend for transportation. Therefore, incumbent party-list reps, including past winners, they are not economically marginalized,” Britanico said.

“What is required only is the cause, the advocacy that you sponsor. Whether you will be elected or not is another matter,” he added.