Bayan moves for disqualification of bogus partylists

Press Release

April 9, 2010

Davao City – Gearing for bigger moves, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan led here today a protest action against the entry and attempt for re-election of bogus partylists created and supported by Gloria Arroyo and the first family. Bayan and various groups will contest the false representation of such partylists through the filing of disqualification cases sometime next week.

The initial list of bogus partylists that will face disqualification charges are Ang Galing Pinoy, 1-Utak, Ang Kasangga, Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA), KABAYAN, PACYAW, Association of Labor and Employees (ALE), Abot Tanaw, APOI Partylist, BANTAY True Marcos Loyalists, Aangat Tayo, Abono Partylist, Abante Tribung, Alliance of People’s, ANAD. Organizations (APO), Makabansa (ATM), and ARARO.

“We are moving for their disqualification as the representations that they claim on behalf of the country’s marginalized sectors are all made-up. Their sole raison d' etre is to protect and promote the interest of the next Congress under the eminent leadership of the Congresswoman in the making Gloria Arroyo,” Bayan spokesperson John Birondo said.

“The attempt to realize House seats for these bogus partylists is part of a grand plan to ensure perpetuation of Gloria Arroyo’s top post in Malacanang. Gloria’s congressional bid is not the be all and end all of everything. The moves to change the country’s form of government from presidential to parliamentary will pave Gloria’s way to prime ministerial post, and she needs as many allies as possible to make this plan a done deal,” Birondo added.

Bayan cited for instance the parylitst bid of Pampanga representative Mikey Arroyo and recently resigned energy secretary Angelo Reyes who was nominated by transport group 1-Utak. Other groups believed to be associated with Arroyo are PACYAW which counts as its nominees Tourism Asst. Secretary Janet Lazatin and businessman Reynaldo Pineda, both allies of Arroyo from Pampanga. APO partylist has former Ilocos congressman Salacnib Baterina as its first nominee.

“We maintain that the partylist system can still be utilized by the marginalized sectors if only the marginalized sectors fight and struggle to avail of this right and privilege. We support groups that truly represent the marginalized sectors. It is ideal and effective in so far as the experiences of progressive partylists have led to the representation of pro-people agenda in the Lower House,” Birondo said.

“We are pushing for the disqualification charges as it has become evident that the partylist system is being exploited by politicians, big business interests, high-ranking military officials and Arroyo allies for their selfish interests,” Birondo stressed.