Casiño hits Comelec for disqualifying partylist of handicapped yet allowing Arroyo-backed bogus partylists to run

Casiño hits Comelec for disqualifying partylist of handicapped
yet allowing Arroyo-backed bogus partylists to run

Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño expressed solidarity with the sectoral organizations and families of handicapped Filipinos at their protest action early today in front of the Comelec central office in Manila. Casiño criticized the Comelec for not allowing the partylist of persons with disabilities (PWD) to vie for a seat in Congress while it is taking its time in disqualifying fake, Arroyo-backed partylists.

Casiño said he and fellow legislators will continue supporting organizations that genuinely represent the marginalized and underrepresented sectors. He added that senatorial candidates Reps. Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza can effectively push forward the advocacies and welfare of handicapped Pinoys through the Senate.

"We recognize your sector's woes and needs. Bayan Muna, together with the partylists of the peasants, workers, women, youth, indigenous peoples, teachers, and other progressive organizations, will strive to help persons with disabilities (PWD) through legislation and solidarity actions such as today's, since most handicapped Pinoys also inherently belong to these sectors. I am also sure our senatorial candidates Reps. Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza will serve as your top advocates once elected in the Senate," Casiño said at the gathering.

"It is a shame that Comelec has been quick in disqualifying partylists that can serve millions of Pinoys, yet Comelec has been slow in junking Arroyo's fake partylists," Casiño lamented.

Bayan Muna thanked the organizers and participants of the protest action. "We are grateful for your invitation and continued trust in progressive partylists. Never lose hope. Instead, let us work together in improving the sectors' plight, in crafting pro-Filipino legislation, and in fighting the self-serving schemes of the Arroyos and their supporters," Casiño told the protesters. Around 250 PWD, including their relatives and friends, joined the picket this morning.###