Opposition coalition 1SAMBAYAN said there is a need for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to "clear the air of doubt" about its independence, urging the commissioners of the poll body to resist all political influence as the country gears up for the upcoming 2022 elections.
The group made the statement after the Comelec First Division ruled to dismiss the consolidated disqualification cases against Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. filed by Martial Law survivors.
In its statement, the 1SAMBAYAN found the decision of the Comelec "very regrettable".
It likewise pointed out how the decision closely followed the allegations made by retired Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon of influence-peddling in the poll body that "is supposed to act as an independent constitutional commission" mandated to protect the sanctity of the people's votes and ensure they are cast upon qualified candidates.
It said that the Comelec should clear itself of any shadow of a doubt.
"It now becomes apparent that Comelec commissioners need to clear the air of doubt surrounding their independence by investigating the claims made by Commissioner Guanzon and restore the faith of the people in the institution," 1SAMBAYAN said.
"With this, we reiterate our call for the Commissioners to remain independent and resist all political influence. Unmask these unscrupulous politicians destroying the very fabric of our democracy by exerting political pressure on Comelec," it added.
"Hold them accountable for tampering with the sanctity of our people’s right to vote," it continued.
1SAMBAYAN likewise asked President Duterte to pick competent people to fill in the positions vacated by three high-ranking officials.
"We also ask the President, who is set to appoint three poll commissioners in place of those who retired early February, to choose competent and independent replacements who will live up to their oath to uphold the Constitution and the law," it said.
"The people deserve to cast their ballots for candidates who are truly qualified to hold public office. We only ask the Comelec commissioners to live up to their mandate of independence," it added.
Meanwhile, 1SAMBAYAN said they will continue closely to "watch the developments" of the disqualification case until its final disposition.
"We hope that justice will eventually be served," the group said.