Comelec disqualifies Ako Bicol, 12 other party-lists

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections on Wednesday announced that it has disqualified 13 previously accredited party-list groups from running in the 2013 midterm elections.

The disqualified groups include: 1-AANI, 1-BRO Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc., 1Guardians Nationalist of the Philippines, Ako Bicol Political Party, First People's Initiative for Indigent Student Athletes and A Blessed Party-List.

Alliance for National Urban Poor Organizations Assembly, Inc., Alliance for Rural Concerns, Association for Righteousness Advocacy on Leadership, Atong Paglaum, Organization of Regional Advocates for Good Governance Onward Nation-Building, United Movement Against Drug Foundation, Inc. and Yes We Can were also disqualified.

Ako Bicol, the top party list group in the 2012 elections, garnered 1.5 million votes which gave it three seats in the 15th Congress.

The group is represented by Christopher Co, Rodel Batocabe and Alfredo Garbin Jr.

The group's win in the 2010 elections was questioned before the electoral body owing to questions surrounding the qualification of its nominees. The Comelec's Second Division, however, junked the petition and proclaimed the nominees as legitimate winners.

In a television interview, Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said the disqualification will not affect the current position of the representatives from the disqualified groups. 

"Since they are incumbent congressmen, they will stay there and continue serving until June 2013," Brillantes said.

Under Republic Act 7941 or the Party-List System Act, Comelec has the power to disqualify any party-list group if it fails to meet the criteria set by the poll body. The requirements for accreditation include the group's track record, proofs that the nominee is representing the party-list and other documentary evidence, among others.