KMU questions Comelec independence

MANILA, Philippines – The independence of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was questioned Monday by the labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

Some 50 KMU members who staged a rally in front of the Comelec’s main office Monday claimed the poll body is working to ensure the victory of Aquino’s allies by methodically eliminating rival candidates.

In particular, the KMU said the Comelec has been targeting partylists that are “true representatives of the poor and the oppressed” but adversarial to Aquino.

KMU cited the cases of Piston and Kabataan partylists. The two groups were recently charged by Comelec for violating the rule on proper displaying of campaign materials. LPG Marketer’s Association (LPGMA) was among those charged by Comelec for the same offense.

Several other senatorial candidates have been issued legal notices by Comelec over their illegal campaign posters as well as illegal campaign gimmicks.

KMU said that Aquino wanted to ensure the victory the administration candidates so he could push for measures which the group believed would undermine the welfare of workers such as: “Charter Change, privatization of the Light Rail Transit and public hospitals, widespread demolition of the poor, etc.”