Garbage men, construction workers eye seats in Congress

Garbage collectors, construction workers and corn farmers are among the 243 groups seeking to be accredited as party-list organizations by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the party-list race next year.

Based on the initial list of party- list groups that filed their application for accreditation and manifestation of intent to run in 2016, Samahang Magbabasura Inc., Sandigan ng mga Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon and Kapatirang Magmamais sa Pilipinas are looking at seats at the House of Representatives.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez told The STAR yesterday that the poll body is currently conducting hearings to screen qualified groups.

He said because of the April

2013 ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) on the Atong Paglaum case, the groups are thoroughly examined to see if they meet the basic requirements like track record and membership.

The ruling on the Paglaum case stemmed from the consolidated petition filed by 52 party-list groups disqualified by Comelec from joining the May 2013 party-list elections for failing to prove that they represent the marginalized and under-represented sectors.

“We have not come out with plans (on how the groups will be screened considering the SC ruling.). It’s just proceeding as a normal hearing with the presentation of documents. It has not reached the level on oral arguments,” Jimenez in an interview.

The SC ruling means that a party-list nominee need not belong to the marginalized and under-represented sector that his group wishes to represent.

The SC ruled that Republic Act 7941 or the Party-List System Act also does not require parties, organizations and sectors to be marginalized and under-represented to be accredited as party-list groups.

Reacting to fears that party-list groups will become the backdoors of the rich and famous, retired generals and government officials, Jimenez appealed to concerned organizations to police their ranks.