Atty. Ferdinand Topacio on Sunday blasted Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) president Renato Reyes Jr., branding him an “ulalo” and insisting that EDSA belongs to all Filipinos — not just militant groups.

Ulalo literally refers to a malformed or stunted root crop, such as camote or cassava, that grows twisted or fails to develop properly.

Figuratively, it describes a person whose thinking or character is warped, defective or distorted. As an insult, it suggests someone is misguided, irrational or seriously flawed in judgment.

Topacio, deputy spokesperson of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), issued the statement after Bayan declared that “rabid” PDP and pro-Duterte personalities were not welcome at the White Ribbon March against corruption.

“You do not own EDSA,” Topacio said, rejecting Bayan’s claim that certain groups should stay away from the rally.

He accused Reyes of acting as though only Bayan had the right to stage protests.

“Renato Reyes is arrogant and lacks patriotism. He acts as if only they have the right to hold rallies, when the Constitution clearly provides that this right belongs to all citizens,” Topacio said.

‘Uppercut’

He added: “Reyes’ thinking reflects the narrow-mindedness of the Left. But they do not own EDSA.”

Topacio also warned Reyes against stopping other Filipinos from joining the march.

“If he tries to stop other citizens, he might get an uppercut to the chin, figuratively speaking,” he said.

The exchange stemmed from Bayan’s statement telling pro-Duterte personalities planning 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. It also warned against efforts to use the anti-corruption rally to “whitewash” the record of alleged plunderers and political dynasties.

The PDP, meanwhile, backed the White Ribbon March, saying corruption is “a national wound” that transcends political affiliations and that all public officials should be held equally accountable regardless of political affiliation.

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