Cockfighting aficionados eye congressional seat

A group of cockfighting aficionados is seeking a representation at the House of Representatives through the party-list system, which provides representation to the marginalized and underrepresented sectors of the society. Alyansa ng Sabungero on Monday joined more than 200 party-list organizations in filing for accreditation before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for next year’s national elections. In its four-page petition, the group claimed that their purpose in seeking representation in Congress is to help poor workers in the cockfighting business. Alyansa ng Sabungero is represented by its president, Nid Anima, and holding office at Camella Townhouse in Sucat, Parañaque. Comelec Chairman Jose Melo questioned the application for accreditation by Alyansa ng Sabungero. “A group of cockfighters. Why are they marginalized when they hold the money?" Melo said as he vowed to screen thoroughly the list of party-list groups seeking Comelec accreditation. Melo cited “pork barrel" – or the multimillion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) given to congressmen every year – as the reason why many groups wanted to join the party-list elections. He also added that it is typical for Filipinos to form their own group rather than support an organization. Aside from Alyansa ng Sabungero, among the other party-lists groups that filed accreditation were United Filipino Seafarers, Aabot, All Rainbow Party, Alab ng Lahi, Partido Lakas ng Masa, Citizen Call for Action, One Nation Empowered with Technology, Liwanag sa Bilangguan, OFWs, Alagaan Natin Ating Kalusugan, Grand Bohol, Balikatan and Ang Ladlad. - GMANews.TV