Monday, February 2, 2015

Maguindanao incident unlikely to affect MILF plan to apply as a political party

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2): Maguindanao incident unlikely to affect MILF plan to apply as a political party

The recent incident in Maguindanao is not likely to affect the bid of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to register as a political party to be able to participate in the elections.

Outgoing Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes believed that the group's clash with the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) has nothing to do with their plan to register as a political party.

"Wala namang koneksyon yung nangyari sa accreditation nila for political party. Whether national or local, hindi naman yun ang key sa registration e,” said Brillantes.

He added, “Ako, personally, I don’t think makakaapekto yun."

The poll chief noted that having some members getting involved in a violent incident does not define the policies of the entire organization.

“Kapag meron bang member ng UNA or Liberal Party na pumatay, ibig sabihin hindi na papayagan sa elections? In general dapat, meron ba silang policy advocating violence? Palagay ko naman they renounced it already dahil may peace treaty na nga e,” Brillantes said.

It would be recalled that the MILF had expressed intention to form a political party, which will allow the group to nominate candidates for government posts.

However, Brillantes does not discount the possibility that the Jan. 25 incident that killed 44 PNP-SAF members at the hands of the MILF in Maguindanao, will be raised during the hearing for the party’s accreditation.

“Mate-take up naman din sa hearing yan if ever e. I’m sure there might be someone who will question it,” he added.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, any organized group seeking registration as a national or regional political party must file with the Comelec a verified petition attached with their constitution and bylaws, platform or program of government and other relevant information.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=731630

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