In a video released by SMNI News on its Facebook page, suspended lawyer and senatorial aspirant Lorenzo ‘Larry’ Gadon uttered several claims, including one where he explained that the family of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and their political allies are the biggest historical revisionists for portraying him as an icon of democracy, despite being the “founder” of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

At 1:02 mark in the said video, Gadon said, “[Si Ninoy] ang pinuno at siya ang isa sa mga founder ng NPA at saka ng Communist Party of the Philippines [Ninoy was the leader and one of the founders of the NPA and the CPP].”

CLAIM:

Ninoy Aquino founded the CPP-NPA

RATING:

FALSE

FACTS:

No less than Jose Maria Sison, founding chairman of the CPP, debunked claims that Aquino Jr. is one of the founders – or even has ties – with the CPP-NPA. Even in the “brief review of the history” of the CPP, which they published in 1988, there was no mention of Aquino Jr.

WHY IT MATTERS:

Several fact-check reports have already been done on claims linking the late senator to the CPP-NPA. In all these reports, the claims were rated false. The video in question now has over 1,500 reactions and 8,900 views on Facebook. –Maez Estrada and Joseph Gloria

Altermidya Network is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.

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