Eight partylist solons to lose House seats

From the Daily Tribune (Jan 25): Eight partylist solons to lose House seats

Eight partylist representatives are in danger of losing their congressional seats following their bid to run for other elective posts, House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said yesterday.

According to Gonzales, the House is now in possession of election documents which show that they have certificates of nomination and acceptance or CONA from various political parties.

Their CONA was attached to their certificates of candidacy (CoC).

“Partylist representatives who have opted to join other political parties as indicated in their respective CONA’s that they have attached to their CoCs are in danger of losing their seats in the House,” Gonzales said.

Among those partylist representatives are Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares who has a CONA from the Makabayan party for the senatorial seat; AMA partylist Rep. Lorna Velasco who has a CONA from the National Unity Party (NUP) for the mayoralty race in Torrijos, Marinduque; Buhay partylist Rep. Irwin Tieng who has a CONA from United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Others who have a CONA are ABS partylist Rep. Catalina Leonen-Pizarro (from NUP) for the mayoralty race in Sudipen, La Union; 1Care partylist Rep. Michael Rivera (from LP) for the mayoralty race in Padre Garcia, Batangas; Gabriela partylist Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan who is running for councilor in Davao City; OFW family partylist Rep. Roy Seneres who has a CONA from Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka (PMM) and AGap partylist Rep. Nicanor Briones who has a CONA from Partido ng Masang Batangueno for the gubernatorial race in Batangas.

“Section 15 of the Partylist Law provides that by doing so they have forfeited their seats in Congress. The partylist groups concerned would have to name their new representative in Congress in accordance with the law and rules of the House,” Gonzales said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/eight-partylist-solons-to-lose-house-seats