The Philippine Online Chronicles

The decision by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reverse the rulings forbidding candidates like Nicanor Perlas and LGBT party Ang Ladlad to run in the upcoming elections was generally welcomed by elections observers on the Internet.

Perlas, who the poll body disqualified over doubts that he could wage a nationwide campaign, was later reconsidered due to his "distinguished track record in public service" and "access to national media [and] organized group of persons… who volunteered to support his bid for candidacy."

"This is a historical decision,” said Perlas on Thursday. “It sends a message for really qualified candidates of this country that not only money will be the qualification (to run for an elective post), but the vision for Filipinos.”

In a show of support for Perlas after he was disqualified from the polls last year, 2,085 people from around the world signed an online petition calling for Perlas to be allowed to run.

“The words ‘thank you so much from the bottom of my heart’ pales in comparison with what I really feel inside for what your collective deed has done for the future of my country, the Philippines,” Perlas said on the petition page. “Your collective deed has helped inaugurate the era of new politics in the country, creating a palpable wave of inspiring energy throughout our archipelago.”

Perlas has also been making waves on the microblogging site Twitter.

“Rock the system! Ibalik ang tunay na dangal ng Pilipino. Nicanor Perlas tayo sa Mayo! Maiba at makiisa [return honor to the Filipino. Let’s vote for Perlas in May! Stand out and unite],” said Twitter user shenbrood.

“Support this REAL leader,” added user fitzella.

Ang Ladlad, which was originally disqualified last year due to “immorality” and posing a “threat to the youth” was also recently allowed back in the polls after the Supreme Court (SC) issued a temporary restraining order keeping Comelec from banning them.

Some bishhops were opposed to the SC ruling.

“They do not need representation. All laws are intended for men and women, gay or lesbian,” said Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan, Eastern Samar. He added that Ang Ladlad might push for same-sex marriage, which is against the teachings of the Catholic Church.

However, the group’s supporters on the Internet made their sentiments clear over Twitter. “The bigots in Comelec have lost for now: Ang Ladlad is in,” said redtani.

“Is glad Ang Ladlad has been accepted as a partylist for the 2010 elections,” added carlosceldran. “A step in the right direction for all of us.”

The decision was also lauded by Senate Committee on Social Justice chairman Senator Pia Cayetano.

“May this decision serve as a lesson to Comelec, instead of disqualifying legitimate party list groups, they should be more wary of groups posing as marginalized representatives, but are actually adjuncts of powerful personalities and interest groups in the Arroyo regime," she said.

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