Creating a legitimate party-list group in the Philippines

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To create a legitimate party-list group in the Philippines, the requirements and process are outlined by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Here’s an overview:


1. Qualification of the Group

The group must represent marginalized and underrepresented sectors such as labor, peasantry, fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous peoples, and others.

 

However, non-marginalized groups like professionals can also form a party-list under certain conditions.

The party must not advocate violence or be connected with any organization that seeks to overthrow the government.

2. Filing of Petition for Registration

The group must file a petition with COMELEC for accreditation as a party-list organization. This is done during a specific period before an election.

The petition must include the name, acronym, and platform of the party, along with supporting documents proving its existence and legal standing.

3. Organizational Structure

The party-list must have a national membership base and an organized structure, which includes a constitution and by-laws.

The officers and members of the group must represent the sector they claim to serve.

4. Proof of Sectoral Representation

The organization must submit a list of members, including proof that these members belong to the sector they claim to represent.

There must be a nominee who will sit in Congress if the party-list wins. This nominee should come from the sector the group represents and be a bona fide member of the organization.

5. Nominee Requirements

Nominees must be Filipino citizens, registered voters, and bona fide members of the party-list.

They should not have been convicted of any crimes involving moral turpitude.
They must submit a Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) to COMELEC.

6. Electoral Performance

A party-list must garner at least 2% of the national vote to secure a seat in the House of Representatives.

Additional seats are awarded depending on the number of votes received, up to a maximum of three seats.

7. Financial Requirements

The organization must file financial reports with COMELEC, including the party’s statement of contributions and expenditures, during and after the election period.

By following these requirements, a party-list can become a legitimate participant in Philippine elections.

"Any organized group of persons may register as a party, organization or coalition for purposes of the party-list system by filing with the COMELEC not later than ninety (90) days before the election a petition verified by its president or secretary stating its desire to participate in the party-list system as a national, regional or sectoral party or organization or a coalition of such parties or organizations, attaching thereto its constitution, by-laws, platform or program of government, list of officers, coalition agreement and other relevant information as the COMELEC may require: provided, that the sectors shall include labor, peasant, fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, elderly, handicapped, women, youth, veterans, overseas workers, and professionals.The COMELEC shall publish the petition in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.The COMELEC shall, after due notice and hearing, resolve the petition within fifteen (15) days from the date it was submitted for decision but in no case not later than sixty (60) days before election."