Comelec to ban party-list names after popular shows, gov’t aid

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will ban the accreditation of party-lists named after popular shows and government programs.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said on Friday, May 16, such practice is wrong.

“We will require them, if they wanted accreditation, to change the name of their party in accordance with their principle, in accordance with their kung ano ‘yung pinaglalaban talaga at ano talaga ang plataporma ng mismong [what they advocate and the platforms of that] party-list organization,” Garcia said in a press briefing.

The commission, however, cannot do anything with party-lists named after shows or government programs which have already been accredited.

“Bago pa man dumating ang present leadership, may mga na-accredit na na ganu’n,” Garcia said.

[Translation: Even before the present Comelec leadership came, there were already such party-lists accredited.]

Among groups named after popular shows are Ang Probinsyano, Tutok to Win, and Batang Quiapo.

TUPAD and 4Ps, meanwhile, are similar to names of government assistance programs.

Garcia said under the law, a party-list accreditation would be canceled if the group failed to get 2 percent of votes in two consecutive elections. Reapplication for accreditation is allowed.