Disqualifying Party Lists

EDITORIAL

The Commission on Elections disqualified 20 more party-list groups that have applied for accreditation for elections next year, saying the Comelec had found that these groups have failed to meet standards and requirements set for the party-list system.

The Comelec did not identify the groups at press time saying they will come out with a partial list of (disqualified groups) next week.

The 20 newly disqualified groups brought to 37 the total number of organizations rejected by the poll body.

Disqualified earlier were: Aksyon Mahirap (AMIN), 1-AANGAT KA PILIPINO (1-AK), Isa AkongMagsasaka Foundation (1 AM), Aniban ng Magtutubig ng Pilipinas (AmangPilipinas), Sararong Bicolnon, United Philippine Transport Tricycle, Trisikidad, Habal-Habal Operators and Drivers Association (UPTHODA), Asosasyon ng Mangangalakal (ASKAL), Aurora Intergated Multi-Purpose Cooperative (1-AIMCOOP), and Nagkaisang Alay sa Bayan ng Maka-Diyos at Makabayang Nangangalakal (1ABAYAN).

Ako at ang Basura Movement (AKO BA), Addicts and Alcoholics Carrying the Message Association (AACMA, INC), Alliance for Democracy and Morality-Bantay Pasahero (ADAM-BANTAY PASAHERO), National Crusaders for Peace and Democracy (NCPD), Mindanao Allied Forces (MAF), Vendors Aggruption (@1Vendors), Bangon Mangingisda (BM), and Philippine Banana Pioneer Foundation Inc. (BANANA WORKERS) were also disqualified.

The Comelec is currently reviewing the applications of 289 party-list groups that have filed for accreditation.

If the Comelec can disqualify such groups, then it must come out with a clear and categorical explanation or bare rules on why certain Party List groups are being disqualified while others are not. It is a fact that some Party List groups have been used by the rich and powerful to remain in office. Rules should define why certain Party List groups are being disqualified while the others are not, Otherwise, the Comelec would be accused of going on a witch hunt.