Comelec rejects party-list groups

By Matt Zate

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) rejected 17 party-list groups who applied for certification for May 2013 polls.

One of the 17 groups dismissed is the group of traders with the head name similar to that of the Philippine football team Azkals, Asosasyon ng Mangangalakal (ASKAL). Moreover, the group of addicts and alcoholics called Addicts and Alcoholics Carrying the Message Association (AACMA, INC) were also not accepted.

Other party-groups that were removed from the list were Ako at ang Basura Movement (AKO BA), Aniban ng Magtutubig ng Pilipinas (Ama ng Pilipinas), Sararong Bicolnon, Mahirap (AMIN), United Philippine Transport Tricycle, Trisikidad, Habal-Habal Operators and Drivers Association (UPTHODA).

In addition the groups Alliance for Democracy and Morality-Bantay Pasahero (ADAM-BANTAY PASAHERO), Aurora Integrated Multi-Purpose Cooperative (1-AIMCOOP), Bangon Mangingisda (BM), Philippine Banana Pioneer Foundation, Inc and  Vendors Aggruption (@1Vendors) were also disqualified.

The Comelec Resolution No. 9513 stated the groups that were dismissed at the division level might still appeal their case at the Comelec en banc.

Furthermore, the party-list groups that have been qualified at the division level shall precede to the review and affirmation of the commission en banc.

289 party-list groups have filed for application in the 2013 poll.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said they will try to announce the first batch of ousted party-list groups before the end of the month and those who will pass the accreditation will be released in early to mid-October.