Defiant Moro Ako Party fights on

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — “The struggle for the development and improvement of our homeland, the upliftment of the lives of our people, and the struggle in the path of Allah continues.”

This was the defiant declaration of former assemblyman Froxy Macarambon, the first nominee of the Moro Ako Party, as he thanked supporters who stood by their regional parliamentary bid despite ongoing legal and administrative hurdles.

“A thousand thanks to everyone who helped and trusted us. We will repay you, our brothers and sisters],”Macarambon said in a statement Wednesday, following the September 14 elections.

READ: Parties led by ex-rebels dominate BARMM polls

Despite a Sept. 7 Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc resolution revoking the party’s accreditation over alleged material misrepresentations, Macarambon reminded supporters that their fate now rests with the Supreme Court.

Drawing strength from his faith amid the uncertainty, Macarambon cited several Quranic verses, emphasizing that “Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves,” and warning that the divine only delays wrongdoers “to a day when eyes will stare in horror.”

“Justice will prevail in Allah’s perfect time,” Macarambon added. “Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference.”

The Comelec’s ruling stemmed from a petition filed by Aladin Abdul, which ordered boards of canvassers to treat votes for Moro Ako as stray unless the Supreme Court issues a temporary restraining order (TRO).

Party president Atty. Najeeb Taib described the disqualification petition as “orchestrated political harassment” by an unknown individual, contrasting it with the party’s 40 vetted nominees and over 12,000 registered members. /mr