Anakpawis files candidacy for 2019 polls

Led by its current representative in Congress Ariel Casilao, Anakpawis party-list filed its candidacy for the 2019 national elections before the Commission on Election (Comelec) on Tuesday.

"Malinaw po ang track record, our record speaks for itself. Malinaw po 'yung laban natin, 'yung mga legislative measures na inihain sa Kongreso ay hinggil sa lupa, sahod at tirahan at karapatan," Casilao, the group's first nominee, told reporters.

Casilao said Anakpawis was not involved in any corrupt activities.

"Tayo po ay walang bahid ng korapsyon, hindi po tayo tumatanggap ng anumang Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). We maintain our position that public funds should go back to the public," he said.

Asked on his thoughts about former Palace official Mocha Uson's bid for Congress under AA Kasosyo party-list, Casilao deemed it as "unfortunate" as the said group was linked to the PDAF scam.

"It's very unfortunate that Mocha's nomination to Kasosyo partylist has been involved to previous anomalies, especially the Janet Napoles-Lim controversy," Casilao said.

The lawmaker also criticized Uson for denouncing progressive groups at the House of Representatives.

"'Yung panawagan niya na pepestehin niya 'yung Makabayan bloc sa Kongreso, it's very unfortunate na 'yun lang ba ang kaniyang plataporma. 'Yun lang kaya niyang ibuga?" Casilao said.

Meanwhile, Anakpawis second nominee and former Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael "Paeng" Mariano vowed to continue his advocacies for the poor.

"Tatlong termino rin ako ng panunungkulan, hindi naman ako nawala, pagpapatuloy lang ito ng paglilingkod para sa masa," Mariano said.

"Kaya nga ang aming pinaglalaban lupa, sahod, trabaho, tirahan at karapatan." —KBK, GMA News