HOUSE Minority Floor Leader Stephen "Caraps" Paduano has dared Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade, Jr. to file charges in court if he has evidence over the government's red-tagging practices that have drawn condemnation from the public.

Paduano said although members of the House of Representatives have individual stands on the red-tagging issue of Parlade, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco echoed his stand on the issue.

Aside from some celebrities and well-known personalities, the red-tagging of Parlade also included members of the Makabayan Bloc in Congress.

"These are baseless and unvalidated accusations and we have to protect the members of the Makabayan Bloc," Paduano said.

He also emphasized that surveillance is also illegal unless there is a court order.

Paduano said he will officially assume the position as Minority Floor on November 16 during the resumption of Congress' session. Paduano was unanimously elected to the position on October 19.

"My position and election as minority floor leader is an indication and vindication for the Visayan Bloc," Paduano said.

Paduano is the first member of the Partylist Coalition and Negrense congressman to be elected minority floor leader.

Paduano also said Congress will review the Rice Tariffication Law when they resume session.

"We will investigate the P10-billion Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund, how it is spent. Because under the law, the funds that come from the taxes on imported rice should go to the farmers," Paduano said.