Malacañang has called for a ceasefire on whimsical political attacks and negativism amid a flurry of criticisms against the alleged administration-backed six party-list organizations in the upcoming polls.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Charito Planas said government critics should allow the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to scrutinize the accreditation of the party-list groups with suspected links with the administration rather than indulge in fantasy and hurl baseless charges against the Palace.

“Recognizing that the electorate’s vigilance is both a right and an obligation, we must also learn when to refrain from 'fantasizing' and hurling accusations against the administration such as using “fronts” to ensure more congressional seats,” Planas said.

“As a people, we must set our body clocks to alarm us that this is the time to stop negativism and alarm us to stop throwing accusations and instead, think of positive ways by which we can be of valuable help in nation-building and working for its progress,” she added.

The Palace earlier denied any links with the suspected pro-government six party list groups but left to the Comelec to review the credentials of the suspected organizations.

Planas said it was prudent to wait for the Comelec action on a complaint filed by an election watchdog against the alleged pro-government six party-list groups.

“The public must let the Comelec, being the Constitutional body tasked to, among others, take cognizance of, evaluate and accredit party list groups, take its course and evaluate whether or not there is sufficient ground to disqualify the six party-list nominees and their representatives, who, according to the complainants are not bona fide representatives of the marginalized and underrepresented sectors,” she said.

She said people should also extend understanding and give Comelec due regard in attending to election-related issues, including in verifying the legitimacy of the questioned party-lists groups.

Republic Act No. 7941 or the Party-List System Act, signed into law in 1995, sought to enable marginalized and underrepresented sectors and small party’s participation in the electoral process and obtain representation in the House of Representatives, according to Planas.

“To give life to the essence of the law, the Commission on Elections adopted Resolution No. 2847 providing for the rules and regulations governing the election of party list representatives. This system was created in order to create a healthy democracy, provide a citizen’s voice in Congress and thus enhance transparency and accountability towards a more efficient government,” she added.

An election watchdog, Kontra Daya, earlier questioned the accreditation of six party list groups, namely Batang Iwas Droga (Bida), Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (Adam), Agbiag Timpuyog Ilokano (Agbiag), Babae para sa Kaunlaran (Babae Ka), League of Youth for Peace and Development (Lypad) and Kalahi Advocates for Overseas Filipinos (Kalahi), due to alleged connections with the administration.

Kontra Daya said the six party-list groups violates RA 7941 that allows congressional representation for marginalized and underrepresented sectors.