COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 13, 2013) – The Anak Mindanao party list said it is supporting a proposal by the Commission on Elections to review and improve the Party List Law or the Republic Act 7941.
The proposal of elections chief Sixto Brillantes is also gaining popular support among other marginalized party list groups.
“It would be a bold move to have it done, since the Party List Law have been abused and jeopardized by political clans and dynasties and political parties pushing more the marginalized sectors and sections of the society beyond the margin.”
“With the current Supreme Court ruling allowing political parties to participate in the party list election, we agree with Commissioner Brillantes that it would give a hard time for party lists of the marginalized in competing with the elite and powerful political parties, at the same time it undermines the real essence of the Party List Law,” Elizabeth Padilla, National President of Anak Mindanao (AMIN), said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
For the marginalized AMIN party list, Padilla said it is also important to note that amendments to the Law must include the power of the Party Lists to recall their nominees in cases like the party lists lost their trust and confidence over their representatives; the strict restrictions on dynasties or family-run party lists; and the clear definition of marginalized sectors.
“This is one of the priority agenda of Anak Mindanao party list of the marginalized in its campaign. To win or not in the 2013 Elections AMIN party list of the marginalized will join the general public and support any action to review and propose amendments to the Party List System Election Law,” she said.
She said the issue on Charter change in relation to the abolition of the Party List Election also is tantamount to silencing the marginalized to be heard and propose alternatives, policies and legislations for their benefit as sectors. On the other hand, Charter change should be carefully looked into since elitist interests are just waiting in the sideline to grab opportune moments at their advantage.
“We call on all democratic forces in Mindanao and the whole country to be more critical and vigilant in the proposals of the current administration or even candidate. We have that duty to fulfil and to safeguard our democratic rights and our future,” Padilla said.
Anak Mindanao also clarified that it represents different sector of the society and has nothing to do with any political party of Mujiv Hataman, the acting governor of the Muslim autonomous region, who is also pushing for his wife Djalia to represent Anak Mindanao.
AMIN’s line-up for the midterm elections include peace advocate Amabella “Mabel” Carumba – Migranteng Settler Representative; human rights advocate Acmad “Che” Macatimbol – Bangsamoro Representative; youth leader Anthony Cuyong – Katawhang Lumad Representative; peasant leader Teodolita “Tanie” Suano; farmer and fisherman leader Charlie “Bogs” Trozo. (Mindanao Examiner)
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