Comelec disqualifies 20 groups

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes disclosed yesterday that the poll body had disqualified 20 more party-list groups that have applied for accreditation to the elections next year.

He said the Comelec had found that these groups have failed to meet the standards and requirements set for the party-list system.

Brillantes, however, refused to identify the groups.

“We’re coming out with a partial list of (disqualified groups) next week,” he added.

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 Akong Magsasaka Foundation (1 AM), Aniban ng Magtutubig ng Pilipinas (Ama ng Pilipinas), 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.