4Ps, FPJ Party-lists shrug off Comelec ban of ayuda, teleserye names

Commission on Elections. File photo.

MANILA, Philippines — The 4Ps and FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-lists do not feel alluded to by the latest Commission on Elections (Comelec) rule banning names akin to “ayuda” and “teleserye.”

The acronym 4Ps or the (Pagtibayin at Palaguin ang Pangkabuhayang Pilipino) party-list is similar to that of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

But for 4Ps Rep. Marcelino Libanan, the acronym 4Ps is a common term in marketing.

“You know, the term 4Ps is a common term in marketing, right? It was the DSWD which imitated that,” Libanan said in an interview in Manila Hotel Tent City after the proclamation of his party-list.

FPJ (which stands for food, progress and justice) Panday Bayanihan Rep. elect Brian Poe Llamanzares was also asked the same question.

Llamanzares is the son of Sen Grace Poe, who is Fernando Poe Jr.’s (FPJ’s) daughter.

FPJ’s biggest movie was Ang Panday. Batang Quiapo and Ang Probinsyano party-list were similar to the names of other party-list groups.

“For me, it’s up to the Comelec what they decide to do,” he said in response after the party-list’s proclamation.

“For me, what matters is that the party-list continues to represent the marginalized and different groups,” he added in Filipino. “For us in FPJ Panday Bayanihan, even if our name is FPJ we are pro-poor, and of course we are for progress and justice.”

On Friday, Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said party-list groups with “ayuda” or “teleserye” sounding names will no longer be allowed to register in the next elections.

READ: Comelec to ban ayuda and teleserye sounding party lists

Garcia, however, said the Comelec could not do anything on the elected party-list who fits the naming anomaly.

But for those who will still try their luck, Garcia said “we will require them if they want accreditation to change the name of their party in accordance with their principle and their platforms.” / MR