Disqualification case filed vs leading party-list group

MANILA, Philippines – A group of Bicolanos has filed a disqualification case against the Ako Bicol party-list (AKB), alleging that the group is a front for wealthy individuals.                     

AKB is leading the party-list race with more that 1.5 million votes.

The petition was filed by Maritess Corteza-Lopez, Mae Ann Michelle Villagomez and Michael Malano, who all claimed to be Bicolanos; Ferdinand Gaite, president of militant group Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees; and a certain Alexander Martin Remollino, who claims to be an advocate for clean elections. The petitioners asked the Comelec to nullify the registration and accreditation of AKB.                                                     

“It (AKB) is nothing more than a front of wealthy tycoons preying on the regionalistic sentiments of many marginalized and poor Bicolanos,” the petitioners said.

In the official website of AKB, its deputy general for media relations Joshue Martinez Jr. said the group has existed since 2005 and “was not created for election purposes.”

“It started as a self-help organization which catered to the relief and rehabilitation needs of victims of typhoon Reming. The members realized that through unity and mutual aid of Bicolanos, the organization was able to give new hope to victims of mega-disasters by giving new sources of livelihood – selling the rocks and sand spewed by Mayon Volcano,” Martinez said.                                           

He said that eventually, the group expanded assistance to victims of disasters in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Masbate, and even in NCR and Calabarzon.

Martinez said AKB members contributed financially to the group.