Press Release
16 November 2012
Members of the women party-list group Gabriela trooped today (Nov. 16) to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to support beleaguered party-list groups’ Kalikasan and Courage in protesting their disqualification and air their demand to the commission to be consistent in upholding the party-list system law.
Lana Linaban, Gabriela Women’s Party secretary general said, “Comelec’s disqualification of Kalikasan and Courage, groups with legitimate causes, is inconsistent to the Comelec’s assertion to “cleanse” the Party-list system from bogus party-lists and ensure representation of the marginalized and underrepresented sector.”
According to Linaban, both Kalikasan and Courage, are long-time allies of Gabriela and Gabriela Women’s Party in upholding various causes of the poor. Their members and nominees have track records of advocating the interest of the poor against the destruction and plunder of the environment and upholding the rights and welfare of rank and file employees in the public sector.
“The Comelec’s decision to disqualify Kalikasan and Courage is a continuing insult to all legitimate organizations while party-list groups serving as vehicles for the expansion and continuation of political dynasties and the consolidation of political power among the ruling elite as well as groups and individuals close to Malacañang remain well-protected.”
Linaban called on the Comelec to uphold the spirit of the party-list law and ensure that those genuinely representing marginalized and underrepresented sectors are given the opportunity to participate in the 2013 elections.
For reference:
Lana Linaban (GWP secretary general) 0922-8643190
Jang Monte Hernandez (Public information officer) 0917-4049119
