Palparan Not Welcome

WHILE progressive groups welcomed the ruling of the Supreme Court increasing the number party-list representatives, they are against the entry of retired Gen. Jovito Palparan because he does not represent a marginalized sector.
    
Palparan’s group Bantay is among those that will be given representation in Congress under the Supreme Court ruling on determining party-list winners.
   
Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo urged the Commission on Elections not to proclaim Palparan.
   
“We are appealing to the Comelec to disqualify Palparan. There is a question on his personality and qualification. He is not qualified because he is not marginalized. The party as well as the candidate of party-list should be marginalized,” Ocampo said.
   
The solon said they welcome the High Court’s ruling since many marginalized sectors will be well represented but its implementation should be strict to avoid unqualified individuals from assuming office.
   
“Palparan has several criminal liabilities. Hindi siya dapat maupo,” Ocampo stressed.
   
Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza agreed, saying Palparan is responsible for the spate of extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture and other grave human rights violations in the country.
   
“We are gearing for his disqualification,” Maza said.
   
“Right from the start, we already contested Palparan and his Bantay party-list’s
bid for the party-list elections as these entities neither represent the marginalized sector nor reflect the sentiments of any sectoral group,” she said.