Comelec proclaims Bayan Muna solons

They may have a seat in Congress, but you can still address them as Ka Satur, Ka Crispin and Liza.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) finally proclaimed yesterday former National Democratic Front spokesman Satur Ocampo, Kilusang Mayo Uno chairman Crispin Beltran and Gabriela secretary general Liza Maza as winning Bayan Muna party-list representatives in simple ceremonies at the poll body’s offices in Intramuros, Manila.

"We are identified as leaders of the masses and people’s organizations. We prefer to be addressed the way our constituents have done so in the past," said Ocampo, who is also the president of the party-list group that earned three seats in the House of Representatives.

Bayan Muna placed second in the controversial May 14 party-list polls, which saw several groups being disqualified.

Ocampo said they are an independent opposition group that would support the politics of change.

"We will look into the reorganization of the congressional committees. We will review the bills that have been filed to see if they support or conflict with our agenda," he said.

Ocampo said the first set of bills they would file would be for the P125 across-the board increase for workers and women’s issues.

Beltran said they would also file bills for the abolition of the regional wage boards and the approval of a P3,000 increase in the wages of government employees.

"We will become the genuine and radical opposition in Congress," he said.

Beltran noted that as a third force, they will oppose the administration of President Arroyo if her plans are not for the interest of the masses.

Maza said they are willing to be an ally to congressmen and parties that will support their agenda.

The three militant leaders were proclaimed by Comelec Chairman Alfredo Benipayo. Commissioners Resurrecion Borra, Mehol Sadain and Florentino Tuason were also percent.