The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) today censured the Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division for junking the consolidated disqualification petitions filed against presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The 41-page ruling states that Marcos Jr. did not commit a crime of moral turpitude – a ground for disqualification under the election code.

The group described the Comelec’s decision as an utter disappointment and deserving of public  outrage and condemnation. The said ruling was deliberately delayed to exclude the opinion of former Commissioner Rowena Guanzon favoring the disqualification of Marcos Jr. Guanzon retired last Feb. 2.

KMP said the Comelec ruling disregarded the valid objections and sentiments of the petitioners composed mainly of Martial Law victims and survivors, human rights defenders, legal luminaries and organizations opposing the restoration of the Marcoses.

“The Comelec’s decision is a disservice to the electorate and the Filipino people. Ang mga magsasaka nga’ng hindi nakakapagpabayad ng buwis, pinapalayas sa lupa, tapos si Marcos Jr. na ilang ulit hindi nagbayad wala lang? It’s incredible how far Commissioner Aimee Ferolino is willing to bend over and twist the law in favor of a convicted tax evader,” KMP National Chairperson Danilo Ramos says.

The peasant leader noted that with the remaining Commissioners all Duterte appointees, the Comelec “lost its independence and integrity.” “Nakakabahala ito lalo na sa darating na halalan,” he adds.

“This decision will not stop our strong opposition to Marcos Jr.’s candidacy. We will triple our efforts to thwart his bid for the presidency,” Ramos ended. #