Comelec scored for alleged bias on Ang Ladlad

MANILA, Philippines - A human rights watchdog scored the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for its unwillingness to permit the party-list accreditation of Ang Ladlad LGBT Party and its “glaring” indifference to retired general Jovito Palparan’s alleged abuses and responsibility in unexplained killings by allowing him to represent Ang Bantay party-list.

In a letter to Comelec chairman Jose Melo dated Nov. 23, Human Rights Watch Asia Division deputy director Elaine Pearson and Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Rights program researcher Dipika Nath said the decision and subsequent statements made by Comelec officials discriminate people on the ground of their sexual orientation and promote intolerance, and are contrary to the rationale behind the party-list system.

“Human Rights Watch calls on you to urgently review this decision, to consider disciplinary action against commissioners who make discriminatory remarks, and to take measures to remedy the negative impact of the decision and statements,” the letter said.

Ang Ladlad seeks to represent lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Filipinos and their supporters. On Nov. 11, the Comelec’s Second Division presided over by Commissioner Nicodemus Ferrer dismissed Ang Ladlad’s petition to register as a sectoral party under the party-list system “on moral grounds.”

On Nov. 18, Ang Ladlad applied for reconsideration.

For inclusion in the May 2010 elections, parties must submit manifestations of intent to participate in the party-list polls before midnight of Dec. 1.

“Comelec must determine this matter in time for Ang Ladlad to petition the Supreme Court, should Comelec fail to overturn the decision, and still file its manifestation of intent within the deadline. Comelec should review this decision urgently to ensure that members of Ang Ladlad are not denied their fundamental political and civil rights,” the letter said.   – With Rainier Allan Ronda