Supreme Court affirms Comelec disqualification of 10 party-list groups

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the disqualification of 10 party-list groups from running in the May 10 elections.

In separate rulings, the SC dismissed petitions questioning Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolutions disqualifying them for “non-compliance of court rules and failure to prove grave abuse of discretion on the part of Comelec.”

Court administrator Jose Midas Marquez, SC spokesman, said among those disqualified are the Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement (FPJPM) and Alyansa Sabungero.

FPJPM claims to be comprised of supporters of the late action star Fernando Poe Jr. while Alyansa Sabungero is an alliance of cockfighting aficionados and workers in the industry.

The Comelec ruled that they do not represent marginalized sectors.

The SC also dismissed the petitions of Alab ng Pusong Pinoy, Abag sa Kalikupan, Koalisyon at Aksyon Nag-iimpok Para sa Ekonomiya at Gabay ng mga Organisasyon (1-KANEGOSYO), Alyansa Alay sa Adhikain ng Beterano, Anak sa Pantalan, Agro-Industrial Productivity Exponents (APEX), 1-Angkan Party, and Alyansa ng Sambayanang Pilipino.

Earlier, the SC affirmed the disqualification of Migrante from taking part in the elections.

The petitions of Ang Ladlad, Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) and Courage are pending before the SC.

Meanwhile, the SC has dismissed with finality the petitions of retired police general Romeo Maganto and singer Anthony Castelo questioning their disqualification from running for senator.

The SC also dismissed the petition of Gerardo del Mundo, a vice-presidential candidate, for failing to prove that the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion in disqualifying him.

The SC also rejected the petition of a certain Richard Recto, who was barred from joining the senatorial race.

The Comelec declared him a nuisance candidate based on the petition of former socio-economic planning secretary Ralph Recto, who is also running for senator under the Liberal Party.     – Edu Punay