MANILA, Philippines - Bayan Muna will appeal to the Supreme Court a Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision allowing Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo to be the first nominee for a seat in Congress of Ang Galing Party (AGP), a party-list representing tricycle drivers and security guards.
Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate Liza Maza said she is already working on the appeal to be filed before the SC.
“We will do everything and stop at nothing to prevent the Arroyos from creating the Arroyo House and the plan to elect President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as House speaker and eventually as prime minister to continue her perpetuation in power,” she said.
Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño said the appeal will be filed whether or not Arroyo and his party-list win.
“This issue is of utmost importance for the integrity and effectiveness of the party-list system,” he said.
“We will exhaust all possible means to oppose this desecration.”
Casiño said the decision desecrated party-list representation in the House of Representatives and placed in question the integrity and sense of fairness of the Comelec.
However, the Comelec could still redeem itself by reversing the decision, he added.
AGP’s second nominee is outgoing Mayor Dennis Pineda of Lubao, Mrs. Arroyo’s hometown.
Pineda is a son of Pampanga gubernatorial candidate Lilia Pineda.
Its third nominee is another outgoing town mayor in Mikey’s district.
Meanwhile, party-list AKB (Ako Bicol Party) denied yesterday that billionaire contractor Elizalde Co is among its nominees for a seat in the House.
John Miras Garcia of Legazpi City, Albay, who apparently represents AKB, made the denial in an email sent to The STAR.
AKB led 13 party-list groups that would most likely win at least one congressional seat in today’s elections, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey.
Maza upset at Comelec decision
Maza has expressed disappointment over the Comelec decision allowing Mikey to be AGP’s first nominee for a congressional seat.
“It is shocking and disappointing that the Comelec chose to give weight to the interest of the Arroyos than that of the Filipino people,” she said.
Last March 25, Maza and fellow candidate Satur Ocampo sought Mikey’s removal from the list of qualified party-list nominees on grounds of his non-membership to any marginalized sector.
Maza said Mikey does not have the right to serve as a representative of security guards and tricycle drivers, as he is neither one of them nor does he represent their interests.
“This ruling can make the people lose their trust in the party-list system, as well as set the precedent for opportunist and self-serving parties to use the system as a means to reach their goals,” she said.
“In the midst of the automated elections problems, this decision to side with the ruling elite only adds doubt to the credibility of the elections commission,” she said.
“Where does its loyalty lie: is it with the people or with the Arroyos?” – Jess Diaz, Christina Mendez