SPP NO. 02-002 (PL) - Seaman's Party Inc. (Sectoral Party)
It is an organized group of seamen, deck officers, engine officers and ratings. The membership consists of all registered POEA seafarers, all MARINA registered seamen, inactive, retired and non-practicing seafarers, students and cadets of maritime schools, training centers and TESDA centers, workers in services related to the seafaring profession, the seafarers families and those personages sympathetic to the cause of the seafarers/seamen all over the country. Its principal advocacy pertains to the special interests and concerns of the seafarers/seamen. It has a solid track record that consistently and continuously upholding the interests, rights, benefits and general welfare of marginalized seamen by providing, among others, training, education, information drive, economic programs, counseling, legal aid, and other various activities for its members and their families.
SPP NO. 03-007 (PL) - GABRIELA WOMEN'S PARTY
Petitioner is a sectoral party dedicated to promoting the rights and welfare of marginalized and under-represented Filipino women through participation in the country's electoral system and organs of governance. It is mostly composed of women 18 years and above, having varied occupations, education, interests, ethnic origin, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation. It seeks to harness the potential, initiative, skills, and leadership of marginalized women towards empowerment, justice, and equality. Its participation in the coming election will enable the marginalized and under-represented women to obtain representation in the House of Representatives, which is dominated by parties with big political machinery.
SPP NO. 03-033 (PL) - MIGRANTE
The members are composed of overseas Filipinos and their families, Filipino migrant advocates in countries with Filipino migrant communities, and regions in the Philippines with large populations of overseas Filipinos and their families. It seeks to encourage the participation of Overseas Filipinos and their families in the active struggle to effectively and continuously uphold and defend their rights and welfare. Consistent with its vision of "Building a society where families are not torn apart by their urgent need for survival- a society where there is an equal opportunity to live a decent and humane life", the party aims to address the problems of the sector through passage of the needed legislative measures.
SPP NO. 03-050 (PL) - CONFEDERATION OF GRAINS RETAILERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (GRECON)
It seeks to represent the sectoral organization of grains market vendors and sari-sari store owners in the fourteen (14) regions of the Philippines. Its general objective is "to serve the common needs, aspirations, and sentiments of its members and shall exert efforts significant and relevant to the country's retail trade ensuring its stability and viability to be able to effectively serve as the vital conduit of the Filipino's staple food-rice" (page 4 , records). During the hearing, it was able to establish that it has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications as provided under RA 7941 and related laws. Since rice retailers and sari-sari store owners are among the marginalized sectors and in order to protect and promote the interest of small-scale businessmen, the accreditation of GRECON is recommended.
SPP NO. 03-051 (PL) - SAMAHAN NG MGA MANGANGALAKAL PARA SA IKAUUNLAD NG LOKAL NA EKONOMIYA (SMILE)
It is a sectoral organization made up of "small, micro, medium scale entrepreneurs, vendors, service providers and similar business providers and similar business professionals which it seeks to represent" (page 1, records).
It is not a religious sect or denomination, organization or association organized for religious purposes. It does not advocate violence or unlawful means to seek its goal. It is not a foreign party or organization and neither does it receive financial or any other form of support from any foreign government, foreign political party, organization, foundation, agency whether directly or indirectly, or through any of its officers or members, or indirectly through third parties." (page 4, records).
Its platform of government consists of the following:
"1. To assist and provide adequate education, training, technical and advisory support services to the members of the organization in order to enhance their business operations."
"2. To provide selected infrastructure projects for use of the organization and its members in the performance of their functions and activities."
"3. To provide necessary medical, dental, scholarship programs and appropriate assistance to deserving dependents of members in the organization."
"4. To protect the overall interest and welfare of all members and affiliate organizations in matters of socio-economic and political concerns."
"5. To represent members of the organization and affiliate organizations in matters of special programs/ projects which are beneficial to the interest of the majority and the association."
"6. To provide livelihood assistance to qualified and deserving dependents of less fortunate members to sustain and generate additional income."
"7. To initiate availability of insurance and security coverage protection program that will benefit members and their dependents."
"8. To be an active advocate of the country's moral recovery program to support the country's peace and poverty alleviation program" (page 26, records )
During the hearing, GRECON was able to establish that it has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications as set forth in RA 7941 and related laws. Considering the foregoing, the accreditation of SMILE is recommended.
SPP NO. 03-090 (PL) - ASSALAM-BANGSAMORO PEOPLE'S PARTY (Regional Sectoral Party)
"Assalam" an Arabic word for peace was chosen to aptly banner and depict the aspiration of the Bangsa Moro people for peace. It represents the indigenous cultural community of which ethnolinguistic groupings are composed of the tribes of Maranao, Tausog, Maguindanao, Yakan, Iranun, Kalagan, Kalibugan, Samal, Sangil, Palawani, Jama Mapun, Molbog, and Badjao. Its constituents are primarily within the geographical territory of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and to some areas where Moro communities can be found. It seeks to develop and implement electoral platforms that will reflect the genuine sentiments and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
SPP NO. 03-093 (PL) - BAHANDI SA KAUMAHAN UG KADAGATAN (BAHANDI)
BAHANDI seeks to represent the farmers, peasants, fisherfolks, agricultural tenants, leaseholders, settlers and rural workers.
Its goals and objectives are as follows:
"Section 1. To initiate and support measures that would expedite the modernization of agriculture and fisheries sectors in the country."
"Section 2. To provide structures and support services that shall improve farm income, generate work opportunities and enhance competitiveness of the farmers, fisherfolk and rural workers."
"Section 3. Promote people empowerment by encouraging people's participation in agricultural and fishery policy-making bodies so that the policies, plans, and programs of the government are formulated and executed."
"Section 4. To formulate policies and establish structures that shall strengthen the linkages and collaboration between and among different government institution, private sector, non-government organization and people's organization."
"Section 5. Provide comprehensive and effective extension services and training to farmers and other agricultural entrepreneurs on the production, marketing, and financing aspects of agricultural enterprises;"
"Section 6. Conduct, coordinate and disseminate research studies on appropriate technologies for the improvement and development of agricultural crops, fisheries, and other allied commodities;"
"Section 7. Provide the mechanism for the participation of farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs at all levels of policy-making, planning and program formulation." (page 7, records)
Petitioner was able to prove during the hearing that it has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications for accreditation as provided for under RA 7941 and related laws.
Likewise, it was able to establish that since its inception eleven (11) years ago, it had initiated /spearheaded/conducted/participated in several programs and projects such as radio program, livelihood seminars, trade exhibits, technology transfers, capital building, marketing assistance, research and medical and dental missions ( page 2, records). Among its projects are:
"1998
1. TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY
1.1 Seminar - Training on Farm Technology
1.2 Livestock - Breeding and Raising Techniques
1.3 Seaweeds Culture
1.4 Coconut Diesel
2. DISPERSAL OF LIVESTOCK
2.1. Bangus Fingerlings
2.2. Hito Fingerlings
2.3. Goats
3. COMMUNITY SERVICE
3.1 Medical and Dental Referrals to Davao Medical Center
1999
1. TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY
1.1. Seminar and Training on Livestock Breeding
1.2. Coconut Bi-Product Manufacturing
1.3. Mangrove Reforestation
2. DISPERSAL OF LIVESTOCK SEEDLINGS AND FRUIT TREES
2.1. Hogs/Swine- 600 heads
2.2. Mango seedlings- 2,000
2.3. Durian seedlings- 1,000" ( page 162, records)
In view of the foregoing, BAHANDI's petition for accreditation should be granted.
SPP NO. 03-099 (PL) - BAGONG TAO MOVEMENT
Bagong Tao Movement is a coalition of Youth and Urban Poor Organizations with grass-roots constituency throughout the country. Its purpose is to alleviate the suffering and disenfranchisement of the youth and urban poor sectors through socio-civic activities, political advocacy and public reform initiatives. It has been assisting the Youth and Urban Poor sectors in various parts of the country through its socio-civic activities for at least three years as a coalition and through its officers or members or indirectly through third parties. Its accreditation is therefore recommended.
SPP NO. 03-101 (PL) - THE TRUE MARCOS LOYALIST (FOR GOD, COUNTRY AND PEOPLE)
Nature. The True Marcos Loyalist (For God, Country and People) Association of the Philippines, Inc. (The Marcos Loyalist) is a national and sectoral organization composed of Filipinos who take pride in calling themselves as the True Nationalist by being "maka-Diyos, makabayan and makatao and aspire to help build a country inspired by the spirit of "isang bansa-isang diwa". It is obvious that it is not a religious sector or organization nor an adjunct of the government.
Representation of the marginalized and underrepresented. "The bulk of the membership of the organization are the peasants, urban poor and the elderly who are bound together by similar interest or concern, and that is the realization of the principles and ideals, which, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, so strongly espoused particularly to bring about social amelioration in the lives of the marginalized sectors of our society and the upliftment of the well-being."
Qualifications under R.A. No. 7941. Based on the records on file and evidence submitted by the petitioner, it possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under the Party-List Law. It represents the marginalized and underrepresented groups because its majority, if not all, of its members belong to the said sectors of society; its membership comes from diverse sectors of the marginalized and underrepresented, e.g. peasants, urban poor, and the elderly. It is not a religious organization neither an adjunct of the government.
While previously, we recommended for its disqualification because "the primary requirement for membership in the organization was loyalty to the deceased Ferdinand E. Marcos", now, it appears that said qualification no longer exists based on the amendment to its Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws wherein said qualification had been omitted. We likewise note that this organization garnered a substantial number of votes in the last election.
SPP NO. 03-107 (PL) - ALYANSANG BAYANIHAN NG MGA MAGSASAKA, MANGGAGAWANG BUKID AT MANGINGISDA (ABA) and ADHIKAIN AT KILUSAN NG ORDINARYONG TAO (AKO) (Coalition)
ABA-AKO is a coalition of two (2) registered party-list candidates that participated during the 1998 and 2001 elections. It aims to liberate the peasantry and the urban poor from the shackles of domination, exploitation and oppression through enactment of appropriate legislative measures. The coalition is committed to the amelioration of small farmers, small fisher folk, rural and urban workers, urban poor and other marginalized and underrepresented sectors of Philippine society.
SPP NO. 03-111 (PL) - AKSYON SAMBAYANAN (AKSYON)
Nature. It is a multi-sectoral party established and organized for political purposes belonging to the marginalized sectors consisting of the elderly, fishers, fisherfolks, indigenous communities, moros, urban poor and informal settlers, women, workers in the formal and informal sectors, and youth and students. Its main mission is to "transform the Philippine society into a democratic community committed to the equal moral worth of each citizen through the institutionalization and efficient implementation of mechanisms and procedures for effective and substantial participation of all Filipinos in political decision making and governance." It is not a religious sect or denomination neither an adjunct of the government.
Aksyon Sambayanan is affiliated with six organizations which are duly registered with this Commission as party-list groups and have participated in the 1998 elections. These organizations are the following:
| Assembly of Tribal Ethnic People (ATEP) | SPP 97-194 (PL) |
| Babae at Bayan, Isulong (BAYANI) | SPP 97-143 (PL) |
| Samahang Bantay Katubigan Para Sa Kaunlaran (BANGKA) | SPP 97-190 (PL) |
| Buklod Ng Isipang Gabay sa Agrikulturang Sambayanan< | SPP 97-146 (PL) |
| Coconut Peasants Reform Alliance (COPRA ) | SPP 97-141 (PL) |
| Lakas Manggagawa Labor Center (LMLC) | SPP 97-020 (PL) |
We reviewed the records and found out that all the six groups aforementioned, while they failed to participate in the 2001 elections, met all the requirements under the law.
Representation of the marginalized and underrepresented. In essence, it "seeks to advocate and pursue the socio-economic and political concerns of its members, for their benefit and the greater good of society as a whole".
Qualifications under R.A. N0. 7941. Aksyon Sambayanan has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications set forth in R.A 7941 or the Party-List Law.
SPP NO. 03-113 (PL) - ALYANSA NG MAY KAPANSANANG PINOY (AKAPIN)
It is a sectoral party with a mass base of persons with physical disabilities. The party aims to promote and uplift the welfare of our fellow disabled countrymen and in general, to work for the equitable distribution of economic, social and political benefits, including the propagation of social justice program to all Filipino people.
SPP NO. 03-118 (PL) - PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT AGAINST POVERTY (PMAP)
It is a national sectoral party whose membership espouses the interests of the basic sectors, namely: urban poor, youth and students, farmers, workers, senior citizen, cooperative, transportation, women and professionals. Its primary advocacy is commitment to a pro-poor agenda
It has conducted several training programs to empower its members and partner organizations.
SPP NO. 02-003 (PL) - BALIKATAN NG MGA MANGGAGAWA, MAGSASAKA AT MANGINGISDA (BALIKATAN)
The verification reports submitted by the Regional Offices clearly show that the scope of its membership is not nationwide contrary to its memorandum submitted to this Commission. In addition to, it has neither a definite or specific platforms of government that will address the needs of the sectors which it seeks to represent. It does not reflect and represent the interest of the underrepresented and marginalized.
SPP NO. 03-001 (PL) - PHILIPPINE FEDERATION OF TEACHERS AND EMPLOYEES COOPERATIVE (PFTEC)
In its petition, it alleged that it has 130 primary cooperatives all over the country as regional chapters/offices in all regions of the country. Except in Dumaguete, per verification report of its existence coming from the different field officers revealed that status of the party is "non-existent" which placed in doubt the capacity of the party to engage a nationwide campaign.
SPP NO. 03-079 (PL) - OPORTUNIDAD SA KAUNLARAN (OK)
It is a sectoral organization that shares interest of helping the urban poor especially women in their pursuit for social and economic well-being. The main thrust of the party is microenterprise and skills development. However, after examining the allegations and the documents submitted, including its Constitution and By-laws; it has no concrete platforms of government that will cater the needs of the marginalized or underrepresented sectors of society which it seeks to represent.
SPP NO. 03-085 (PL) - GUARDIANS CENTER FOUNDATION, INC.
The party is seeking accreditation as a sectoral organization representing the marginalized and underrepresented sector of our society. Petitioner, however, failed to show either in its constitution, articles of incorporation, by-laws, history, platform of government and track record that it represents and seeks to uplift the marginalized and underrepresented sector/s as enumerated in Sec. 5 of R. A. 7941. It failed to establish what particular sector/s, considered as marginalized and underrepresented, which it seeks to represent.
SPP NO. 03-088 (PL) - GUARDIANS ANTI-CRIME PRO-PEOPLE ORGANIZATION INC. (GUARDIANS)
A perusal of its objectives as contained in its Constitution and By-Laws, and program of government readily reveals that it does not espouse the interest of the marginalized and underprivileged sectors of our society as enumerated in Sec. 5 of R. A. 7941.
In addition, it failed to state categorically and establish with proof that the organization does not receive any support from the government.
SPP NO. 03-089 (PL) - ALYANSA NG SAMBAYANAN PARA SA PAGBABAGO (ASAP)
A political party seeking accreditation to join the party-list system must show either in its constitution, articles of incorporation, by-laws, history, platform of government and track record that it represents and seeks to uplift the marginalized and underrepresented sectors as enumerated in R. A. 7941. ASAP failed to establish what particular sector/s considered as marginalized and underrepresented, which it seeks to represent.
SPP NO. 03-097 (PL) - United Retired Philippine Public School Teachers Association (URPPSTA)
A party seeking accreditation to join the party-list system of election must not be an adjunct of, or a project organized or an entity funded or assisted by the government. In the case of the petitioner, a perusal review of the records it submitted clearly reveal that some DECS regional offices are being used as by the party as its regional offices. Petitioner failed to substantiate proof that it is independent from the government.
It does not represent the marginalized and underrepresented group as identified in Sec. 5 of R.A. 7941.
SPP NO. 03-103 (PL) - TRIBAL ORGANIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINES INC., (TOP)
Petitioner seeks to represent the indigenous cultural minorities for the upliftment of their moral, social, cultural, physical, and financial growth and welfare. However, in a letter dated November 6, 2003 filed before the Commission, Chairman Joseph T. Gadit of the so called Indigenous People Sectoral Assembly manifested his strong opposition for the following reasons, to wit:
"1. That the organization upon verification with the National Commission on Indigenous People is not duly registered, nor is the Chairman Mr. Solon a certified member as one belonging to any of the ethnic groups for purposes of RA 8371;
2. That the positions of Chairman, Vice-chairman, Secretary General and Director held by Roberto Solon, Claron Alcantara and Zenaida Ramos respectively are not incorporators per Securities and Exchange Commission Records;
3. That no records on file show membership with the Indigenous People of the set of officers;
4. Fraudulent representation of the Indigenous People and other. For reasons above-mentioned, it is strongly asked of this commission to reject and totally disapproved the application for accreditation."
To date, no comment or manifestation was ever filed by the petitioner or any of party's authorized representatives to rebut and disprove the allegations contained in the opposition-letter.
SPP NO. 03-105 (PL) - PHILIPPINE GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD, INC. (PGBI)
In its petition, petitioner is seeking accreditation as a sectoral organization representing a cross-section of Philippine Society bound together by the common interest of promoting and protecting the spirit of brotherhood, justice, discipline, peace, service and equality.
However, it failed to show either in its constitution, articles of incorporation, by-laws, history, platform of government and track record that it represents and seeks to uplift the marginalized and underrepresented sector/s as enumerated in Sec. 5 of R. A. 7941. It failed to establish what particular sector/s, considered as marginalized and underrepresented, which it seeks to represent.
SPP NO. 03-112 (PL) - Association of People's Socio-Economic Movement for Poverty Alleviation, Inc. (APSEMPA)
In its Order dated October 16, 2003, this Division denied the petition for failure of the petitioner to comply with the Comelec Resolution no. 6320 relative to the verification of its petition. A further review of the records reveals that the petitioner failed to submit and establish requisite jurisdictional requirement for the granting of this petition.1avvphi1.ñêt
SPP NO. 03-116 (PL) - CITIZENS ANTI-CRIME ASSISTANCE GROUP (CAAG)
Petitioner participated in the 2001 elections. However, when this Commission conducted a re-study of its qualifications pursuant to the directive of the Supreme Court in G.R. 147613 and 147589 dated June 26, 2001, we recommended its disqualification on the ground that it does not represent any marginalized and underrepresented sector. For purposes of the 2004 elections, it is now submitting its amended petition alleging change of representation.
We are not persuaded.
The mere fact that the petitioner incorporated in its objectives its willingness to "assist and represent the interest of victims of crimes and human rights violations" as well as "persons wrongfully prosecuted and sentenced by our courts especially those who were detained for a long period of time" does not ipso facto bestow upon it the representation of the marginalized and underrepresented. Representation, in the context of party list, is conferred not by incantation of sonorous statements but by actual congregation of warm bodies suffering from a common pain, long crying in silence and bereft of effective means to be heard let alone protected.
All indications show that CAAG is a civilian volunteer group. It should be lauded for all its projects particularly those that alleviate the plight of the victims of crimes. But it should not be allowed to join the fray come May 10, 2004 because it is not qualified. After all, its concerns are better addressed by the government agencies established precisely to solve crimes, punish the criminals, and give assistance to the victims.
