April 26, 2021
ANC @ANC Matters of Fact Interview of Sen. Win Gatchalian with Christian Esguerra on defunding NTF-ELCAC
Q: I'm curious about your reaction when you heard that statement coming from Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., a man in uniform, calling the criticism coming from certain senators, including yourself, of the red baiting of community pantries, basically, he used the term stupid.
SEN WIN: That's very disappointing, Christian considering that we both work for the same government, we both work for the same people, and we both want the best for our country. And just because we have a difference of opinion, we will start degrading one another. The problem is Parlade. That's why all of these things are now becoming a hot topic. The community pantries is an inspiration to many, especially to ordinary Filipinos. Even here in Valenzuela, in our city, we now have about 30 community pantries, all launched by ordinary Filipinos, and none of them, which a lot of them are personal friends of mine, none of them are connected with any, NPA or any terrorist. So in other words, the name calling and the red tagging of community pantries is uncalled for. Now is not the time to divide the country.