Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, deputy spokesperson of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), on Sunday criticized Renato Reyes Jr., president of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), after the latter declared that “rabid” PDP and pro-Duterte personalities were not welcome at the White Ribbon March against corruption.

In a statement, Topacio rejected Bayan’s position, arguing that no group has exclusive ownership of public spaces such as EDSA or the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

“Hindi nila (Bayan) nabili ang EDSA,” Topacio said.

He also described Reyes as an “ulalo” and criticized what he called the narrow-mindedness of leftist groups.

“Ulalo si Renato Reyes at mababa ang kanyang patriyotismo. Parang sila lang ang may karapatang mag-rally, samantalang nasa Saligang Batas na ang karapatang iyan ay para sa lahat ng mamamayan,” Topacio said.

He added: “Ang pag-iisip ni Reyes ay naglalarawan ng kitid ng isipan ng mga makakaliwa. Ngunit hindi nila nabili ang EDSA.”

Topacio also warned against attempts to prevent other citizens from participating in the rally.

“Subukan niyang pigilan ang ibang mamamayan at baka ma-uppercut siya sa baba, figuratively speaking,” he said.

His remarks came after Bayan issued a statement urging pro-Duterte personalities intending to join the White Ribbon March to “respect the integrity of the space” being built by anti-corruption advocates, adding, “You are not welcome here.”

Earlier, Bayan said it could not “link arms” with personalities it accused of spreading disinformation and protecting corrupt officials. The group also warned against efforts to use the anti-corruption rally to “whitewash” the record of alleged plunderers and political clans.

The PDP has expressed support for the White Ribbon March, describing corruption as “a national wound” that transcends political affiliations and calling for equal accountability for all public officials regardless of political alignment.

The party also urged Filipinos to “rise above political colors” in the pursuit of truth, accountability and justice.