Palace congratulates Pinay mountaineers

Five partylist groups on Thurday claimed victory in the recent May 14 polls but called on further vigilance during the canvassing of votes.

The common statement, signed by Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo and  Teddy Casiño, Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza, Sammy Malunes of Anakpawis, Shamroud Abdulaziz of Suara Bangsamoro and Raymond Palatino of Kabataan Partylist, was entitled, "Victory for people’s partylists! Stop fraud, protect people’s vote!"

The group said, "We thank voters for giving us a fresh mandate to serve in Congress. From all indications – based on our internal quick count, the May 14 exit poll and pre-election surveys – we are set to win back the six seats which we previously won in 2004."

Moreover, the group said there was strong chances that their group will increase in Congress with potential extra seats for Anakpawis and Gabriela, and one each for newcomers Suara Bangsamoro and Kabataan.

"We owe our victory to those who rejected the government’s illegal campaign against us. In Payatas, Quezon City, where scores of soldiers harassed our members for months prior to the elections, Bayan Muna emerged as the top choice," the group said.

They also castigated President Gloria Arroyo and Armed Forces chief General Hermogenes Esperon for their "diabolical plot against progressive partylist groups."

They also warned that they are continue to witness evidence of "dagdag-bawas" (subtract-add) during the canvassing stage, with their Task Force Poll Watch recording 156 cases of fraud from field coordinators, regional task forces and partylist offices, and from other sources.

"We join the people in condemning the violence and disorder that marked the elections,' the group said. They added that it is dishonest for anyone to describe an election characterized by over 120 violent incidents and numerous acts of fraud, irregularities and disenfranchisement as “peaceful and orderly”.