House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro has refuted claims linking her to the New People’s Army (NPA), asserting that she is an activist advocating for reforms, not an armed rebel.
During Tanong ng Bayan: The GMA Senatorial Face-Off 2025, Castro addressed allegations made by the military and former President Rodrigo Duterte, emphasizing that her activism has always been focused on improving the education system and governance.
“Mula nung estudyante ako ay aktibista rin ako… Pinaglalaban natin ang tunay na pagbabago sa edukasyon, sa sistema ng edukasyon, at sa sistema ng ating pamahalaan. Pero hindi as member ng CPP, NPA, or whatever,” she said.
She also criticized the tendency to brand government critics as communists, saying, “Parati na lang ‘yan… kung ikaw ay nagsasalita against sa posisyon ng gobyerno, itinuturing kang Red o kaliwa.”
Castro urged the public to judge her based on her legislative record, particularly her efforts against the misuse of confidential funds. She was one of the strongest voices questioning Vice President Sara Duterte’s P2.3 billion proposed budget, comparing Duterte to a squid that releases ink when cornered.
“Ito po yung dadalhin natin sa Senado para labanan din po ‘yung maling paggamit o ‘yung korapsyon sa gobyerno,” she stated.
If elected, Castro vowed to be a strong advocate for teachers and to hold corrupt officials accountable. “Magsisilbing boses ng mga guro sa Senado, tuturuan ng leksyon ang mga kurap at abusado sa gobyerno,” she added.
