Comelec delists Bayan, 49 other party-list groups

The Comelec formalized the action through Resolution 11281, which covers party-list groups, organizations and coalitions that failed to participate in the last two preceding elections or meet the applicable requirements for obtaining seats under the party-list system.

STAR / File

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has canceled the registration of 50 party-list groups, including Bayan Muna, Magdalo and Buhay, over failure to meet participation or electoral performance requirements.

The Comelec formalized the action through Resolution 11281, which covers party-list groups, organizations and coalitions that failed to participate in the last two preceding elections or meet the applicable requirements for obtaining seats under the party-list system.

Ten of the groups were cited for not participating in the two preceding elections. These are 1 Alliance Advocating Autonomy Party, 1-United Transport Koalisyon, Agbiag Timpuyog Ilocano Inc., Ako Ayoko sa Bawal na Droga, Filipino Family Party, Grains Retailers’ Confederation of the Philippines Inc., Ina Na Nagmamahal sa Anak, Isang Lapian ng Mangingisda Bayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran, Luntiang Pilipinas Partylist and One Philippines.

The other groups are the Advocacy for Teachers Empowerment Through Action Cooperation and Harmony Towards Educational Reform, Advocates & Keepers Organization of OFWs Inc., Advocates for Retail, Fashion, Textile, Tradition, Events & Creative Services Sector (ARTE), Ahon Mahirap, formerly Partido COCOMAN, Ako Padayon Pilipino (AKO PADAYON), Aktibong Kaagapay ng mga Manggagawa (AKTIBONG KAAGAPAY), Alliance for Resilience, Sustainability and Empowerment (ARISE), Alyansa Laban sa Substance Abuse Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Natin, Ang Komadrona Inc. (ANG KOMADRONA), Ang Programang Aasenso Taumbayan-Dream, Act, Participate and Advocate for Sustainable Transformation (APAT-DAPAT), Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP), Ang Pamilya Muna (PAMILYA MUNA), Babae Ako Para Sa Bayan Inc. (BABAE AKO), Banat Barangay Natin, Bayan Muna (BAYAN MUNA), Bayaning Tsuper (BTS BAYANING TSUPER) and Bisaya Gyud Party-list (BG PARTY-List).

Also included are BOSES party-list, formerly MOCHA; Buhay Hayaan Yumabong (BUHAY); Bunyog (Pagkakaisa); Computer Literacy, Innovation Connectivity and Knowledge Inc. (CLICK PARTY); Democratic Independent Workers’ Association (DIWA); Filipino Rights Protection Advocates of Manila Movement (FRONTLINERS ANG BIDA); Health, Education, Livelihood Program of the Philippines (H.E.L.P. PILIPINAS); Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines Inc. (HUGPONG FEDERAL); Ipatupad for Workers Inc. (IPATUPAD); Lungsod Aasenso Inc. (LUNAS); Magdalo Para Sa Pilipino (MAGDALO); Maharlikang Pilipino Party (MAHARLIKA); Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development (EPANAW SAMBAYANAN); Movement of Active Apostolic Guardians Association of the Philippines (MAAGAP); Pamilyang Magsasaka; Pinoy Ako; Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM); Towards Development and Action (TODA AKSYON); Tulong Ipamahagi sa Communidad Tungo sa Kaunlaran (TICTOK); Tulungan Tayo; Truism Isulong Mo (TURISMO); United Frontliner’s of the Philippines; and Walang Iwanan sa Free Internet Inc. (WIFI).

The cancellation is anchored on Republic Act 7941 or the Party-List System Act and the rules under Comelec Resolution 11204 as amended.

Section 6(8) of the law authorizes the poll body to cancel a party-list group’s registration, after due notice and hearing, either on its own initiative or upon a verified complaint from an interested party, for failure to participate in the two preceding elections or failure to obtain the required votes in the relevant elections.

The action forms part of the Comelec’s implementation of the rules governing the registration and continued participation of organizations in the party-list system.