Duterte accuses Zarate of using NPA’s money to support son’s education in Europe

December 22, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte has accused Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate of using the fund collected from the extortion activities of the communist New People's Army to support his son's education in Europe.

Duterte made the allegation in a taped televised message on Monday night in Davao City.

Looking on a thick folder, Duterte said that based on the information, Zarate's son is studying in Poland and has been traveling Europe.

"I'd like to call the attention of Carlos Isagani Zarate. Adre, you have a child studying in Europe and you're saying that your son...is being supported by his grandmother," he said.

But he said upon checking, the supposed grandmother who was supporting Zarate's son was already old and has no source of income.

According to him, the last registered business under the grandmother's name was in 2002.

"Don't fool us. You might be spending the money collected by the NPA here. They (rebels) did not know that the money they collected went to the leaders, they have huge income while they (NPA fighters) are suffering. That's the problem with the NPA. You allow yourselves to be fooled," Duterte said.

"Zarate, you are hypocrite...you're a chauvinist pig," he said.

Duterte even challenged the congressman that they meet in person and the latter could even bring with him former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one of his staunch critics.

He said they could even meet in Zarate's house and he would go without his security personnel.

"I want to talk to you. If you're a man, accept my challenge," he said.

Duterte earlier called Zarate a communist. Celerina Monte/DMS