Gutierrez: We shouldn't argue over which anti-Marcos protest is 'legitimate'

MANILA, Philippines — Former Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez III said people should not bicker as to which anti-Marcos burial protest is legitimate and to just welcome all the support.

"I do not think we should bicker about which protest is more 'legitimate' but welcome all support," Gutierrez said in a statement through text.

This is in response to a circulating text message saying that people should not attend the rally scheduled on November 25 as it is led by the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses in Malacañang (CARMMA).

The group is, according to the text, allied with the Makabayan bloc, which is a pro-Duterte bloc. The message, instead, asked the people to join the rally to be held on November 30 as it is "the legit anti Marcos group" led by the Coalition Against Marcos Burial (CAMB) and Akbayan. It added that Gutierrez and Rep. Edcel Lagman are part of the said group.

Gutierrez admitted that Makabayan is indeed part of the Duterte government but said that "it is on them to reconcile this with their Marcos position," adding that the group could explain to the public themselves if needed.

He said that although his name appeared in the message, he does not endorse it.

"Various groups have stepped up to oppose the Marcos burial and all of them should be given the space to air their views," Gutierrez said.