Comelec sets deadline for party-list groups

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday that party-list organizations have until May 31 to file a “manifestation of intent” to participate in the 2013 mid-term polls.

In a resolution, the Comelec said party-list groups will also have to submit the names of at least five nominees during this period.

But in case the petition for registration of an organization remains pending with the Comelec, the group should still file the manifestation together with the list of nominees “within the prescribed period.”

The Comelec added that a group that fails to file the manifestation and the list of nominees “shall not be eligible” to join in next year’s elections.

Republic Act 7941 was intended to promote the “proportional representation in the election of representatives to the House of Representatives through a party-list system.” –Sheila Crisostomo, The Philippine Star