MANILA, Philippines - Twelve more party-list groups, including an organization that claims to represent teachers, were disqualified Friday by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc from joining the 2013 polls.
The latest list of disqualified party-list groups includes: Manila Teachers, Ala-Eh, Sel-J, Kasambahay, 1 Serve the People, Ako An Bisaya, Abyan Ilonggo, Democratic Alliance, 1 Para Sa Bayan, 1 Alliance Advocating Autonomy, Alab ng Pusong Pinoy, and Akbay Kalusugan.
Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said the organization Manila Teachers is not represented by teachers.
He said the 12 groups were disqualified for not representing the marginalized and underrepresented sectors.
Recently, the poll body disqualified Black and White Movement, a known ally of the Aquino administration.
Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said more groups are expected to be disqualified by the poll body until December.
"There are more than a hundred still pending reviews. Marami pa tayong ine-expect na madidisqualify probably before December, so hindi pa tapos ang proseso," he said.