The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Pangasinan Rep. Jose De Venecia seeking to nullify the merger of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino.

“Lakas Kampi CMD is a privately organized political party, formed under the constitutional guarantee of freedom of association, which in turn bears facets of the right to privacy,” the Comelec en banc said in its 11-page decision.

“Wherefore, premises considered, the instant motion for reconsideration is hereby denied. The approval of the registration and accreditation of Lakas Kampi CMD as a political party is hereby affirmed,” the decision read.

It can be recalled that the Comelec came out with a ruling whicg approves the legality of the merger of the two parties.

The poll body also rejected the application of Magdalo Para Sa Pagbabago as a regional political party.

Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer said that they denied Magdalo’s petition for accreditation because there was not an assurance from the group that they would not engage in another mutiny in the future.

“Denial on the ground that sa pagtatanong namin it would seem na they have not up to now admitted that it was wrong what they did dun sa Oakwood. Sabi ko up to now you have not pleaded guilty. That means in your mind what you did was right,” Ferrer said. (Leslie Ann Aquino)