SC upholds Comelec decision on non-accreditation of 17 party-list groups

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions by 17 party-list groups contesting the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s rejection of their applications for accreditation. 

In a decision issued in full session yesterday, the SC dismissed the petitions for certiorari, prohibition and/or mandamus with application for restraining order and/or injunction filed by party-list groups: Ang Bayaning Kawal at Pulis Inc. (ABAKAP), Alyansa ng Katutubong Pilipino (AKAP); Association of Direct Vendors, Agents, Networking Circles, and Entrepreneurs (ADVANCE); Witnesses for a Transparent and Equitable Society, Lingap Balen, Sulong Katutubo, Ating Aral Regional (NCR), Essential New Generation in Needs of Energy and Environment Resources Inc. (ENGINEER), Philippine Alliance for Responsible Trade by Nation Builders, Alliance of Public Transport Organization Inc. (I-APTO), Pilipinas Para sa Pinoy (PPP), Chronic Kidney Disease (Ang CKD), Angat Ahon Magsasaka Inc. (AAM), Women and Child Crime Abuse Assistance (WACCAA), Ang Siguro Inc., United Women Against Poverty (UWAP) and Isang Lapian ng Mangingisda at Bayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran (1-LAMBAT).

Meanwhile, the SC upheld an earlier ruling siding with Lord Allan Velasco as the duly-elected congressman of Marinduque. In its decision, the SC  denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

“The decision is now final and executory, as far as that particular petition is concerned,” the SC said.