Comelec on Mikey Arroyo: Either lazy or lacking in empathy

Rappler.com

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

In its en banc resolution, the Comelec explains why it disqualified Ang Galing Pinoy, which is represented by the son of former President Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines – Ang Galing Pinoy (AGP) Rep Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo authored only one bill on the welfare of security guards, and this is one of the reasons the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualified the party from joining the 2013 elections.

“The bill has just gone past the first reading and was referred to the House Committee on Public Order and Safety. If one is truly an advocate, he/she is expected to exert his/her best efforts to push for legislation that will alleviate the cause of the sector/s he/she is representing,” the Comelec said in its en banc resolution.
 
“We do not know if this is just sheer laziness but to us, this is glaring lack of zeal and empathy for the plight of the truly marginalized,” the poll body added.

Mikey Arroyo is one of two sons of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and husband Jose Miguel.

The Comelec said it cancelled AGP’s accreditation also because of its failure to answer the disqualification case lodged against it by poll watchdog Kontra Daya.

“AGP’s non-appearance during the scheduled summary evidentiary hearing showed its wanton disregard for the rules and regulations of this Commission,” the Comelec said.

The non-appearance “can only mean that it purposely ‘boycotted’ a lawful order of the Commission en banc or it is not at all interested in fighting for the cause of the sectors that it is seeking to represent.”

The Comelec said that AGP “does not intend to represent any marginalized and under-represented sector evidenced by its lack of track record.”

“After careful scrutiny of its constitution, by-laws and platform of government, nowhere did it state that it is seeking to represent the marginalized and the under-represented,” the poll body said.

When it filed its first application in 2007, AGP said it shall represent security guards, and drivers of tricycles, taxis, and buses, as well as vendors, village guards, and small-scale businessmen.

Critics said that in reality, this was not the case. They said the party was just used as a vehicle for Mikey Arroyo to enter Congress. – Rappler.com


Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!