Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) chairperson Teodoro ‘Teddy’ Casiño filed a civil suit against Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) hosts Jeffrey ‘Ka Eric’ Celiz and Lorraine Badoy over red-tagging allegations on Monday, Dec. 18.
On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Casiño said his legal actions against Badoy and Celiz, whom he described as "most vicious red taggers”, were “long overdue.”
“Since 2020, these two characters, aided and abetted by the NTF-ELCAC, have been falsely, maliciously, and repeatedly accusing me of being involved in terrorism, rebellion, and other crimes as a supposed high-ranking official of the CPP-NPA-NDFP,” he said.
“They have been constantly spewing lies, aspersions, inciting ridicule and hate against me, my family, my fellow activists,” the Bayan Muna chairperson added.
Today (Dec. 18), I filed a civil suit against my most vicious red taggers - Lorraine Badoy-Partosa and Jeffrey Celiz.
— Teddy Casiño (@teddycasino) December 18, 2023
This legal action is long overdue. Since 2020, these two characters, aided and abetted by the NTF-ELCAC, have been falsely, maliciously, and... (1/10) pic.twitter.com/NwLLNhO62D
Casiño filed the ₱2-million civil suit before the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 236. Joining him were veteran activists Satur Ocampo and Judy Taguiwalo.
ATM: Now at Makati City Hall flanked by veteran activists Satur Ocampo and Judy Taguiwalo. I’m here to file a civil suit against my most vicious red taggers Lorraine Badoy-Partosa and Jeffrey Celiz. pic.twitter.com/KYAKzD2rdV
— Teddy Casiño (@teddycasino) December 18, 2023
Interviewed by veteran journalist Christian Esguerra during “Facts First”, the Bayan chairperson cited that the SMNI hosts violated Articles 19, 20, and 21 of the Civil Code of the Philippines.
“Kung susumahin natin, ang kaso is that yung karapatan nila na magsalita o magpahayag ay inabuso nila sa pamamagitan ng mga maling pagpaparatang sa akin, ng mga seryosong akusasyon, at paninira. Basically, red-tagging,” he said.
Casiño underscored that the red-tagging remarks by Celiz and Badoy put his life in danger, damaged his reputation, and caused him anxiety and stress.
“Labag din ito sa public policy, kaugnay ng pagpapahayag, kaugnay ng exercise ng rights. Hindi lang sa akin, kundi pati na rin ang aking organization,” he said.
The Bayan chairperson said the SMNI Celiz and Badoy must pay for the damages they had caused him.
