04/02/2020
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(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Jennita G. Bascones, Vice Chairman for Internal Affairs
Consolacion B. Abad, Vice Chairman for External Affairs
Jordan P. Cimafranca, Secretary General
Oscar D. Celeste, Treasurer
Thomas A. Siy, III, Auditor
(7) Frances Trina A. Salvante, Public Relations Officer[8]
Subsequently, on August 2, 2012, the COMELEC en banc issued Resolution No. 9513
entitled “In the Matter of: (1) the automatic review by the Commission En Banc of
pending petitions for registration of party-list groups; and (2) setting for hearing the
accredited party-list groups or organizations which are existing and which have filed
manifestations of intent to participate in the 2013 national and local elections.”
Pursuant thereto, the COMELEC resolved to review and affirm the grant of
registration and accreditation to party-list groups and organizations in order that it
may fulfill its role of ensuring that only those parties, groups or organizations with
the requisite character consistent with the purpose of the party-list system are
registered and accredited to participate in the party-list system of representation. It
also suspended the application of Section 19 of the COMELEC Rules of Procedure
which pertains to the filing of a motion for reconsideration.
On August 9, 2012, the COMELEC en banc issued an Order, requiring A-IPRA to
appear before them to present documentary evidence which will establish its
continuing compliance with the requirements set forth under Republic Act No. 7941
(R.A. No. 7941) and the guidelines in Ang Bagong Bayani-OFW Labor Party v.
COMELEC.[9]
On October 11, 2012, the Insigne Group, under the name of A-IPRA, filed a Petition
for Intervention with Opposition to the Nomination filed by Bogus Officers of A-IPRA.
[10] They alleged that their members remain the legitimate nominees and officers of
A-IPRA as they were never replaced in accordance with procedure stated in the bylaws of the organization. Further, they pointed out that the members of the Lota
Group are complete strangers to the organization and that their names do not
appear in the roster of A-IPRA membership. Even more, they do not appear to be
members of the indigenous cultural communities/indigenous people as they are all
residents of Metro Manila and are unknown to the members of A-IPRA. Finally, they
charged the Lota Group of submitting fake documents which contained forged
signatures.[11] Thus, they prayed that the Lota Group be disqualified as nominees
and officers of A-IPRA and that they be recognized as the legitimate nominees and
officers of the group and be allowed to participate in the May 2013 elections.[12]
The COMELEC En Banc’s Ruling
On November 7, 2012, the COMELEC en banc issued the assailed Resolution,[13]
cancelling the registration and accreditation of A-IPRA. The pertinent portions of the
resolution state:
In the instant case, A-IPRA failed to convince the Commission that it has
satisfied the aforequoted guidelines pertaining to party-list nominees. It
did not submit proof that would establish that the said nominees are
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