Gym workers, 6 other groups lose poll bid

MANILA, Philippines - Gym workers and six other party-list groups seeking to participate in the next elections failed to get the approval of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The Comelec yesterday disqualified from participating in the May 2013 elections seven groups, including “Fitness Pinoy,” which claims to represent and wants to promote the welfare of gym workers.

“Since there is no sector on gym workers, the group said they defend those gym workers,” Comelec Commissioner Grace Padaca said.

Padaca, however, said she did not participate in the deliberations since she was not yet a commissioner when Comelec started the discussion on their application for accreditation.

“Most of them I took no part. These are decisions on their motions for reconsideration,” she explained.

Comelec also denied the petition for accreditation of Pinoy Aasenso Ka, Ahente, Asabala, Bantay OCW, SANDAMA and 1 Abante na Pinoy.

The Comelec has so far disqualified 99 aspirants, including the seven.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes earlier reported that they hope to finish the review of party-list groups this week.

If there will still be some groups left, the Comelec would just decide on Dec. 3, Brillantes said.