May 7, 2013
The poll watchdog group Kontra Daya today asked the Comelec to launch an information drive among the media and local government units on the status of at least 11 disqualified groups whose names have already been included in the ballot.
The call came after the Comelec announced the disqualification of groups like Ang Galing Pinoy of Mikey Arroyo, ANAD, Bantay partylist which is linked to Gen. Jovito Palparan, A-Ipra, Abang Lingkod, Atong Paglaum, Senior Citizens, Smart, 1st Kabagis, Cocofed, and Binhi.
Comelec will still vote on the fate of partylist groups 1-Utak, Pasang Masda whose nominee includes Arroyo lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, and PACYAW partylist represented by Rene Velarde, formerly of BUHAY partylist and son of El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde.
“As we have stated in our motion before the Comelec last Friday, we are seeking the retention of the previous disqualification of at least 35 groups whose names have been included in the ballot because of the Supreme Court order. The 11 disqualified groups announced by Comelec are not enough,” says Kontra Daya lawyer Joven Evangelista.
“How can the Comelec accredit such groups like FIRM 24-K which stands for Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos. This group cannot pass even the ridiculously low standards set by the Atong Paglaum ruling of the Supreme Court. How can Comelec accredit Ako Bikol which is considered one of the most underperforming partylist groups in congress, thus putting into question it’s so called track record of advocacy?” Evangelista said.
Kontra Daya said that Comelec should make prominent its announcement of the status of the 11 groups that are no longer qualified to run in the elections even if their names appear on the ballot.
“The media, the LGU’s and most importantly the voters should be properly informed. Comelec should inform by way of writing its regional offices and must make prominent the posting of such announcements. Any vote cast in favor of these disqualified groups will be invalidated. It would be a waste,” Evangelista said.