Two of the most popular partylist groups in the Philippines, Akbayan and Bayan were allowed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to run in the upcoming 2013 Elections. The news was confirmed by no other the Comelect Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr.
Akbayan and Bayan Muna were criticized by several parties for failing to “represent” the marginalized sectors of the Philippine society.
The Comelec en banc also considered the issue of the appointment of some of Akbayan’s official into government posts. There are numerous groups who were seeking Akbayan’s disqualification.
Meanwhile Brillantes also mentioned that although there are many similarities and differences with the case of excluding the party-list group Ako Bicol who are both multi-sectoral political parties, however Akbayan has proven track record while Ako Bicol has none.
