100 party-list groups get nod

MANILA, Philippines - Out of 244 party-list organizations intending to run in the May 2016 polls, 100 have been approved so far by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

The approvals were given by the Comelec’s First and Second Divisions.  

A total of 244 groups had filed “Manifestations of Intent to Participate” in the 2016 elections.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said 78 of the 100 were existing party-list groups that have participated in previous elections, while 22 were new organizations.

The poll chief, however, clarified that this does not mean that the rest of the 244 have been rejected because there are still applications pending for decision at the two divisions.

He also noted that the groups whose applications were disapproved may exercise their option to elevate the case to the full commission.

Comelec records showed that of the 244 groups, only 213 were able to submit the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance containing the list of their nominees.  

Each group is allowed to have up to five nominees who will sit in the House of Representatives if the group wins in next year’s elections.

The Comelec intends to come up with the final list of party-list groups to be included in the official ballots by Dec. 10.