Gabriela Demands Immediate Comelec Proclamation
The Gabriela women’s group has intensified its call for the immediate proclamation of its party list following the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc ruling that upheld the cancellation of Duterte Youth’s registration. Gabriela insists that the Comelec proclamation process must proceed without delay to ensure the marginalized sectors have rightful representation.
“We challenge the Comelec to act with urgency and proclaim [Gabriela Women’s Party or GWP] now,” Gabriela secretary general Clarice Palce declared. She emphasized that this proclamation is not merely procedural but essential to amplify the voices of the oppressed in a legislature often influenced by vested interests.
Gabriela’s Role as a Voice of the Marginalized
Gabriela stresses that the party list should be declared immediately by the Comelec as it stands as the genuine and uncompromising representative of the masses. The group vows to rigorously scrutinize the national budget and hold corrupt officials accountable.
Addressing urgent public demands such as lowering prices of goods and services remains a key priority. Palce highlighted, “From fighting for women’s and children’s rights, to leading investigations on government anomalies, GWP has consistently stood on the side of the Filipino people, especially the poor and the oppressed.”
Calls for Accountability and Genuine Representation
Gabriela appealed to the Comelec not to delay the proclamation any further. The group stressed the need for genuine voices that echo public demands for accountability rather than party lists that serve narrow interests.
“We strongly implore the Comelec to not delay any further GWP’s proclamation. We need voices that will echo the demands of the people for accountability, not fake party lists merely seeking to line their and their favored elites’ pockets,” Palce added.
Legal Developments Surrounding Duterte Youth
Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia noted that Duterte Youth might still seek relief from the Supreme Court, as the en banc decision is not yet final. “Duterte Youth may still go to the Supreme Court… we call that judicial courtesy. While the decision of the Comelec is not yet final, the Supreme Court may exercise its jurisdiction on the remedy being asked by the said party list… it will be good to wait for that,” Garcia said in an ambush interview.
Background of Duterte Youth Cancellation
On June 18, the Comelec Second Division canceled Duterte Youth’s registration following a 2019 petition filed by former youth activists. The petition argued that Duterte Youth’s accreditation lacked the required publication and hearing, violating Comelec rules.
The division also cited prohibited acts under election law, including Duterte Youth’s failure to genuinely represent the youth sector, its advocacy of violence, and receipt of government assistance. Despite winning three seats in the 20th Congress and ranking second in votes behind Akbayan, Duterte Youth’s registration faced legal challenges.
Comelec’s Final Ruling and Gabriela’s Opportunity
Duterte Youth filed a motion for reconsideration on June 23, claiming insufficient evidence supported the cancellation. However, the Comelec en banc dismissed the motion on August 29, confirming Duterte Youth’s registration cancellation due to lack of substantial evidence.
This ruling sparked renewed calls from Gabriela for immediate proclamation, as the seats previously allotted to Duterte Youth may be redistributed to other party lists. The final seat in the House of Representatives was awarded to the Philreca party list, which placed 54th in the May elections.
For more news and updates on party list proclamations, visit Filipinokami.com.
