ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio yesterday urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to give the public freer access to records submitted by organizations wishing to participate in the 2013 party-list elections because as it is, their system is prone to corruption and abuse.
“The people can help Comelec weed out bogus party-lists, but they have to be armed with information which, right now, is mostly in the hands of Comelec. If these information are hidden from the public then bogus party-lists can slip into Congress more easily,” Tinio said.
The poll body earlier had vowed to rid the final list of organizations which do not legitimately represent marginalized sectors. However, those who wish to aid in the purging are usually frustrated in the earliest stages since they cannot even get from Comelec copies of relevant records.
Tinio cited Comelec’s irregular application of its rules on securing Petitions for Registration, Manifestations of Intent and accompanying documents. Resolution 9366 ensures the availability of these records to the public, subject to reasonable rules.
Tinio said the public accepts as reasonable some restrictions like letters of request and nominal photocopying fees. Lengthy processes and requirements unequally imposed are not.
“Genuine members of organizations who truly represent marginalized sectors are in the best position to tell which among those who filed their Petitions and Manifestations are fake,” Tinio said. “They can, for example, confirm to Comelec that this group’s track record proves that it has actually worked against their sector’s interest, or that person is not really a member of their sector or has never advocated for them.”
Tinio added Comelec is duty-bound to respect the people’s right to information. He also stressed that the people should be able to exercise this right as soon as possible — before Comelec’s own deliberations close.
Tinio also urged the Comelec to reconsider the P10,000 fee for filing of petitions for disqualification of party-lists and nominees. –Charlie V. Manalo, Daily Tribune
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
March – Women’s Role in History Month
April – Month of Planet Earth
Weekly Observances:
Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
Last Week of April – World Immunization Week
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Mar 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transallantic Slave Trade
Mar 27– Earth Hour
Apr 21 – Civil Service Day
Apr 22 – World Earth Day
Apr 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work
