Comelec sets new rules in determining dominant parties

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Election (Comelec) has set new rules in determining the dominant majority and minority parties and will give parties more credit for embracing the important role of women in politics.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said on Wednesday that political parties may now file a petition for accreditation for the upcoming elections.

A P10,100 filing and legal research fee will be charged, Jimenez said.

Jimenez said that pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10514, petitions should be filed before the Clerk of the Commission until April 10, 2019, a month before the midterm elections.

Woman factor

“The new set of rules and regulations provides for incentives to be given to political parties that promote the integration of women in their leadership hierarchy, internal policy-making structures, appointive and electoral nominating processes,” Jimenez said in a statement

“Under the new criteria, political parties that will field at least 30% women candidates shall be given the weighted average points of 10 points,” he added.

Jimenez also said that if the political party managed to complete a slate of candidates from the municipal level up to the position of Senator, the party will be given the highest weighted average of 40 points.

Other criteria include a party’s organizational structure, the number of its incumbent elective officials, and their established record in past elections. / gsg