ANG Galing Pinoy (AGP) party-list organization will not be represented when Congress opens this month, unless its first nominee, Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, gives way to the group's second nominee.
Commission on Election (Comelec) Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the dilemma on who will be seating as AGP’s representative will only be decided among the organization themselves.
He noted that the election body can only proclaim the group’s second nominee if the former Pampanga congressman decides to let former mayor Dennis Pineda of Lubao in Pampanga to represent the group.
“We can only proclaim the second nominee if Arroyo gives way. If he does not, hindi pwede,” Larrazabal said.
AGP, accordingly representing tricycle drivers and security guards, was proclaimed on May 31 as among the winning party-lists.
The group is one of the 28 party-list organizations that will occupy some 35 seats at the House of Representatives.
But Arroyo, the AGP’s first nominee, cannot be proclaimed because of disqualification case filed against him by militant group Bayan Muna, questioning his ability to represent the marginalized sector.
On the other hand, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said there is a way for AGP to secure a seat at the House, and that is by talking to each other and decide on whom they want to field. (FP/Sunnex)