Makabayan bloc pushes for House probe on ‘anomalous’ midterm polls

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Makabayan party-list bloc is pushing for a congressional inquiry on the supposed anomalous midterm elections.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel filed House Resolution 2291, directing the House suffrage committee to immediately investigate the automated election system, on Monday, May 26.

The lawmakers cited reports of election watchdogs and advocates about alleged overvotes, vote buying and selling, ballot tampering, among other issues.

“Beyond technical issues and voter disenfranchisement on election day itself, there have been other election-related issues before, during, and after the elections that have marred the integrity and credibility of the election results,” the resolution stated.

“The party-list system, intended to represent marginalized groups, has been hijacked by political dynasties, big businesses, and military or police forces, undermining genuine sectoral representation,” it noted.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is prepared in case it is summoned by the House of Representatives.

“COMELEC is ready to appear before Congress if and when called upon to lay down facts and showcase the milestones of the most successful, fastest-ever in counting, and transmission of votes, canvassing and proclamations, most peaceful electoral exercise, highest-ever voter turn-out national and local elections in numbers,” the poll body said in a statement.

READ: Comelec finishes ‘fastest’ vote canvassing, logs ‘highest’ voter turnout for midterm polls

Fifty-four party-lists, which were distributed with 63 seats, won.

Kabataan and ACT Teachers were re-elected for one seat each, while Gabriela was 55th in the party-list race.