By Minka Klaudia Tiangco
A poll watchdog group told voters to be wary of party-list groups coming out with too many political advertisements, which was a clear indication that these are being backed by big businesses and political dynasties.
Kontra Daya logo (FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN)
Kontra Daya said voters should be “critical and discerning” to see which among the party-list groups are truly part of the marginalized sectors.
“The preponderance of political ads from these party-list groups highlights how the rich and powerful have dominated the party-list race,” the group said in a statement.
“It also raises new obstacles for the genuine, marginalized groups who wish to participate in the party-list race,” it added.
The poll watchdog group claimed that the One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals (1-PACMAN) party-list “can spend for expensive television ads” since it is backed by the Romero family.
The same can be said for the Joint Union of Active Nationalist Filipino Movement (JUAN MOVEMENT), which is backed by not only the Romero family, but also the Llave family, Kontra Daya claimed.
In its statement, the group said the first nominee of JUAN MOVEMENT is the president and CEO of Llavecon Builders and Development Corporation.
The group also called out the WOW PILIPINAS MOVEMENT, which is allegedly backed by the Keng family.
The party-list group’s first nominee is reportedly the daughter of Wilfredo Keng, the businessman who filed libel charges against Rappler chief Maria Ressa.
Voters should also be wary of the Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support, Inc. (ACT-CIS) party-list, which has ties to the Tulfo family.
The family was also implicated in an anomalous government transaction during the term of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, Kontra Daya said.
“Let us always remember that the Party-list System Act was enacted in 1995 to give a voice to the marginalized and underrepresented, not to provide another platform for political dynasties and big business interests,” the group said. #MatalinongBoto2019