Comelec drops 10 more partylist groups

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections on Wednesday announced that 10 more partylist groups, including two organizations which have already joined in previous polls, were disqualified from running in the mid-term elections next year.

The poll body said Abot-Tanaw and Abroad partylist groups have previously run while eight others--Guardian, Hukbong Kerubin, Ilaw, Samahang Ilokanong Magsasaka, Angat-Ahon Magsasaka, Good, Una Edukasyon, and Courage-- were asking for accreditation from the Comelec.

Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said the Comelec en banc is unconvinced that the groups represented the marginalized sectors of society.

Brillantes also advised the disqualified partylist organizations to immediately appeal their cases before the Supreme Court.

He said these groups have until January next year to get a ruling of the High Court on their appeals or two months before the printing of the ballots to be used in the 2013 elections.