Comelec backtracks, says Buhay got 3 seats

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will no longer pursue its plan to withhold the third and second seats of the party-list groups Buhay Hayaan Yumabong and Magdalo Para sa Pilipino at the House of Representatives.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said they have already released the certificates of proclamation (COP) for the two seats, which will be for Buhay’s third nominee William Irwin Tieng and Magdalo’s second nominee Francisco Ashley Acedillo.

“So what is left now is the one seat for An Waray and then five others at the bottom. Next week, we may be able to proclaim three of the five seats,” he noted.

The Comelec had earlier planned to withhold three seats – one each for Buhay, Magdalo and An Waray – after the Supreme Court had issued a status quo ante order stopping the poll body from proclaiming winning party-list groups.