Kabataan Partylist Representative Raymond Palatino expressed dismay over Commission on Election’s (COMELEC) decision today giving multimillionaire and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s son Mikey Arroyo a seat in Congress as the representative of Ang Galing Pinoy, a partylist claiming to represent security guards, taxi and jeepney drivers.
“COMELEC’s decision is a clear mockery of the partylist system. This is a grave insult to the Filipino people. We do not want, and will not allow another Arroyo in the Congress,” says Palatino.
Palatino called on COMELEC to review their decision, saying the move contradicts an earlier ruling disqualifying nominees of Ang Kasangga Partylist. The COMELEC recently ruled in favor of a disqualification case alleging that the first two nominees of Kasangga were not from the marginalized sector.
“For Arroyo to be seated alongside workers, women, farmers, teachers, senior citizens in the Congress is just plain wrong. COMELEC made a very wrong move,” said Palatino.
Kabataan Partylist and other youth groups intend to file a formal motion to call on COMELEC to reverse its decision.
Palatino also stressed the “urgent need” to review the partylist law. “The review and amendment of the partylist lawis must be prioritized in the 15th Congress. There should be clear guidelines to prevent the abuse of the partylist system,” he said. (Bulatlat.com)
Reference:
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Mong Palatino
Romina Astudillo, Media Officer
