“= Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Intramuros, Manila BIRET NIVTETNA PETITION FOR REGISTRATION —_SPP Case No. 21-066 (PP-PL) OF ASENSO PINOY AS A REGIONAL POLITICAL PARTY PARTICIPATING UNDER THE PARTYsI IGT GYGTEM, ASENSO PINOY REPRESENTED HEREIN BY ITS PRESIDENT, RITO G. FUENTES, and SECTETARY - GENERAL, JOHN EDANICIC FA, 3n., Petitioner. Promulgated: ——X RESOLUTION Before the Commission (First Division) is the Petition‘ filed by ASENSO PINOY (ASENSO PINOY), seeking registration as a reylunal pulluical party anu 1eyisuauUl! UNUEF Lie party-liSt System. The Facts On 30 March 2020, ASENSO PINOY, fepresented by its PIesiUeHl alu SeUeldly - General, Ted Tne ingtant Petition, seeking to be registered as a regional political party, and to be allowed to participate in the election of members of the House of Representatives under the party-list system. ta * Records, at Vol. 1, 1 to9.Page 2 of 14 SPP Case No. 21-066 ( PP-PL) FIRST DIVISION The instant Petition contains the following material averments, among others: “Sox 1. Petitioner ASENSO PINOY is a regional political party duly organized and existing since 2019. It is represented herein by its President, Rito G. Fuentes aiiu its SeUIeLary General, JON Francis Go, Jr. ao Petitioner ASENSO PINOY has its principal office at Second Floor, Yamaha Building, Mabini Extension, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. It is represented herein by its President, RITO G. FUENTES with duuress at 13U, Bacolod Road, Barangay Maningcol, Ozamis City and its Secretary General, JOHN FRANCIS GO, JR. with address at 60 National Highway, Barangay Talic, Oriqueta City. For Purposes of this Petition, petitioner ASENSO PINOY may be served with orders, ngtiges and other processes fram the Honorable Commission through the undersigned counsel SARDILLO SARDILLO SALOM LAW OFFICE at Unit 802, Taipan Place, F. Ortigas Jr. Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. OK n To be able to operationalize this vision, petitioner ASENSO PINOY has decided to formally seek accreditation and registration as a regional political party with the Honorable Commission. XXX 10. Petitioner ASENSO PINOY is composed of residents and registered voters in Region 10. wa 12. Should the Honorable Commission grant this Petition, petitioner ASENSO PINOY intends to participate in the 09 May 2022 National and Local elections. voor wPage 3 of 14 ‘SPP Case No. 21-066 ( PP-PL) FIRST DIVISION 15. The officers and members of the petitioner ASENSO PINOY are aware of this Petition and haye given their CUHsent LO tne TIlINg Of the same with the H lonoral Commission. 0K 17. Petitioner ASENSQ PINOY npgssesses all the qualitication and none of the disqualifications set forth under the 1987 Constitution and other relevant laws. 17.1 It is not a religious sect or denomination, organization or association organized for religious purbases. 17.2 Petitioner ASENSO PINOY shall not advocate violence or unlawful means to achieve its goals. 17,3 It is not an adiunct or nrniect nraanizod nr an entity funded or assisted by the government. 17.4 Petitioner ASENSO PINOY is not a foreign party or organization. 17.5 Tt dae not roroiva cuppnrt fre pauiann political purposes from any foreign government, foreign _ political __party, foundation, organization, whether directly or indirectly, or through its officers or members, or indirectly through third parties. 17.6 Finally, petitioner ASENSO PINOY commits to comply with the laws, rules and regulations relating to elections. 18. Petitioner ASENSO PINOY believes and enjoys utmost Aanfidense thet it hee the neccovary quullfluutlunu, tlylits und privileges to be an effective regional political party constituted by its members who share the same ideals, vision and mission for a better and progressive region. OX"Page 4 of 14 SPP Case No. 21-066 ( PP-PL) FIRST DIVISION Attached to the Petition are the following documents: 1) Resolution Authorizing the Filing of the Pefition:” 7) List of Memhare': 3) Constitution and By-Laws;’ 4) Resolution on Election of Officers; 5) Manifestation of Intent to Participate in the Party-List System of Representation in the 09 May 2022 Elections;* 6) Affidavits/Sworn Declaration of Existence;’ 7) Platform of Government;‘and 8) Summary of Track Record. On 26 May 2021, the Commission First Division directed ASENSO PINOY to publish its Petition together with the Order"® in three (3) national newspaper of general circulation. The Petition and the Order were published on 28 May 2021 in the Malaya Business Insight,’* Business Mirror, and Daily Tribune. Acting on the instant Petition, this Division, through its Presiding Commissioner, issued an Order’* dated 03 June 2021, directing the Regional Election Director of Region X to verify the existence of ASENSO PINOY in the constituency for which it seeks registration, and to submit his findings and recommendations. On 26 May 2021, the Regional Election Director of Region X, submitted a Verification Report.'* Attached to said reports were the Verification Reports from the Provincial Election Supervisors confirming the existence of ASENSO PINOY in their respective areas of jurisdiction, viz. 1. Lanao Del Norte (Existing in 12 municipalities); 24 Misamis Occidental (Existing in 3 cities and 7 municipalities); and isa Misamis Oriental (Existing in Cagayan de Oro City only). te 2 Same, at Vol. 1, 15 to 16. 3 Same, at Vol. 1,17 to 140. 4 Same, atVol. 1,141 to 147. > Same, at Vol. 1,148. © Same, at Vol. 1.149 to 50, 7 Same, at Vol. 1,151 to 172. 5 Same, at Vol. 1,173. ° Same, at Vol. 1,174. © Same, at Vol. 1,190. 1 Same, at Vol. 1,206, ® Same, at Vol. 1,208, TA Cama at UAl 1,910 ™ Same, at Vol. 1,588. * Same, at Vol. 2, Verification Report (Folder)Page 5 of 14 SPP Case No. 21-066 ( PP-PL) FIRST DIVISION The Order dated 26 May 2021, likewise sets the case for hearing an 13 June 7071. and further requirad OSFNSO BINAY th submit, prior to the scheduled hearing, the following: 1) the names of two (2) witnesses who shall be the Chairperson or President and Secretary General of the political party; 2) Judicial Affidavit of the witnesses; and, 3) proof of publication. Tn compliance with tha 7A May 3071 Ardor, ACENEN DTINAV filed its Manifestation and Compliance’® and submitted, on 31 May 2021, the following: 1) Judicial Affidavit of its President, Rito G. Fuentes;!” 2) Judicial Affidavit of Secretary, General, John Francis Go, Jr.;"® Malaya 79 May 7971 inewiny* 4) Malaya’s Affidavit of Publication;?° 5) Business Mirror 28 May 2021 issue;”4 6) Business Mirror's Affidavit of Publication;2? 7) Daily Tribune 28 May 2021 issue;”* 8) Daily Tribune Affidavit of Publication.”* ASENSO PINOY filed its Formal Offer of Evidence of Petitioner ASENSO PINOY,”° on 14 June 2021. It formally offered the following documentary exhibits: EXHIBIT NO. DOCUMENT "AM Ws WA 16" | Gupy uf de rouuun “A-9-a”" Signature of Rito G. Fuentes “A-10-a” Signature of John Francis Go | D Ulue! UdwU 20 May 2UZ1 requiring the in three (3) newspapers of general circulation. EGe Publisher's Affidavit (Malaya) dated 28 May 2021 16 Gamo of Val 1 107 4n 108 ¥ Same, at Vol. 1,211 to 225. 18 Same, at Vol. 1, 399 to 410. 19 Same, at Vol. 1, 206. 2 Same, at Vol. 1, 205. 21 Same, at Vol. 1, 208. 2 Same, at Vol. 1, 207. Ouse ae FUL 4, 510. > Same, at Vol. 1, 209. % Same, at Vol. 1, 630 to 639.Page 6 of 14 SPP Case No. 21-066 ( PP-PL) FIRST DIVISION “Tel” Malaya icon datnd 70 May 1071 “C-2” Page B3 where the Petition and Order was Published. “Dp” Publisher’s Affidavit (Business Mirror) dated 28 May 1034 Dale Business Mirror issue dated 28 May 2021 “D-2” Page A6 where the Petition and Order was Published. cee Publisher's Affidavit (Daily Tribune) dated 28 May 2021 “E-1” Daily Tribune issue dated 28 May 2021 ere Faye b23 wire ule reuUUI dil Uruer was Published. “F” to "F-14” Judicial Affidavit of Rito G. Fuentes “F-13-a” Signature of Rito G. Fuentes “Ge” Resolution No. 01-2019 “G-1" Signature of John Francis Go G2" Signature of Rito G, Fuentes “H”to“H-5” | Constitution and By-Laws “H-5-a” Signature of John Francis Go “T’and“I-1” | Resolution No. 2021-1 “T-1-a” Signature of Rito G. Fuentes yr | “K" to “K-21” Summary of Track and Record Affidavits of ExistencePage 7 of 14 SPP Case No. 21-066 ( PP-PL) FIRST DIVISION ne List of Members “mM” Platform of Government Elections “N-1-a” to “N- | Signature of Rito G. Fuentes 1-b” “N” to“N-1” | Manifestation of Intent to Participate in the Party- List System of Representation in the May 09, 2022 “o” Attestation dated 13 April 2021 WM te WR AD | Sudivtul Affdavic uf gun rans GU “P-11-a" Signature of John Francis Go BO Bank Certificate on IReSUIUUUIT INU. 2U21-UZ “S”to"S-4 | Social Media campaign Finally, on the same date, Pesiboner filed its Memorandum.* wit agaiuonal material averme! “Ox 45. The officers and members of petitioner ASENSO PINOY share @ common ideology or nlatfarm with respect to advocating for a progressive and competitive region. 46. Petitioner ASENSO PINOY does not belong to any major political party nor should it be considered an adiunct or a proiect araanized or an antity finan or assisted by the government. 47. With respect to the 09 May 2022 National and Local Elections, petitioner ASENSO PINOY has absolutely no intention to field candidates in any lecislative district alactinne in Raginn 10 6 Same, at Vol. 1, 595 to 624Page 8 of 14 SPP Case No. 21-066 ( PP-PL) FIRST DIVISION null The instant Petition is now deemed submitted for resolution. The Issue We rule upon two issues: first, whether ASENSO PINOY has complied with the requirements for registration as a regional political party; and second, whether ASENSO PINOY possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications for registration under Une purty Hol vyotens The Ruling There is ment ure peuuur. A political party is an organized group of persons pursuing the same political ideals in a government.” Any organized group of persons seeking registration as a national or regional political party may file with the Commission a verified petition attaching thereto its WUIISULULIUN! aliu Ly-laws, piduurins or program or govetnment and such other relevant information as may be required by the Commission.”° The requirements for registration of political parties, organizations or coalitions of political parties are set forth in Rule 32 Ol Ul CUMELEL RUIeS, 1/2 “Sec. 2. Contents of Petition. - The petition for registration shall state the following: (1) Full name of the political party, organization or cnalitinn nf nalitinal partinny (2) The principal headquarters and post office address for election purposes, including its branches and divisions, if any; (3) The date and place of its organization; (4) The date and manner of election or selection of its officers; 7” Lagasca vs De Vera, G.R. No. L-1649, 29 October 1947 8 Section 61 of the Omnibus Election CodePage 9 of 14 SPP Case No. 21-066 ( PP-PL) FIRST DIVISION (5) The names and addresses of its organizers and officers. Executive Committee members. Directorate. or Party Convention delegates, if any; (6) The extent of its constituency; (7) _ Its program of government; (8) That it is not a religious sect or denomination; (9) That it shall not pursue its goals through violence orother unlawful means; (10) That it shall uphuld and auiere w wie Consutuuon and shall obey all laws and legal orders promulgated by duly constituted authorities; (11) That it is not supported by, nor does it accept financial contribution from any foreign government or their agencies; and (19) Othar infrrmatinn that may ha matevial and vslavane to the petition. Sec. 3. Other Requirements. - The petitioner shall attach to the petition for registration ten (10) copies of its constitution and by-laws, party platform, organizational _ papers, declarations of political creed or code of political ethics and such other documents of similar or equivalent character. [Emphasis supplied] Sec. 4. Verification. - Before taking action on the petition, the Commission shall first verify, through its filed offices, the status and capacity of the petitioner and the veracity of the allegations in the PUULIUH UU Is EHUIUSUTES. NUL 1aUeY UAH! TITLE (15) UdyS ITUITL notice of the Commission's instruction, the field office concerned shall submit its written report, in ten (10) copies, together with supporting documents or records, if any. xxx Sec. 6. Publication of Petition and notice of Hearing. - On the day following the receipt of the notice of hearing, the petitioner shall cause the publication of the petition, together with the notice of hearing, in three (3) daily newspaper of general circulation, notifying in writing the Commission of such action.” A careful review of the Petition and its supporting documents reveals that ASENSO PINOY was able to substantiate its categorical declaration that it is a duly regional political party composed of residents and registered voters in Region X who share the same vision.” It was likewise able to show that its constituency is spread over the ycuyrupliival ternitury uf at least d IIAJUTILy UF Ue provinces in Region X as confirmed by the Provincial Election Officers therein. * ® Records. at Val 1 5%