The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has delisted 39 party-list groups ahead of the May 2022 polls.
The poll body announced the delisting and cancellation of the registration of the 39 party-list groups in Resolution No. 10696 that was promulgated on Feb. 17, 2021.
"The Commission resolves to delist and cancel the registration of the following party-list groups, organization, and coalitions," read the resolution.
This was due to the following reasons: failure to obtain at least two percent of the votes cast for the party-list system, failure to obtain a seat in the 2nd round of seat allocation for the party-list system in the last two preceding elections, and failure to participate in the last two-preceding elections.
These groups are Alay Buhay, Ating Koop, AVE, Abakada, Banat, Abamin, Append, Ang Nars, Tao Muna, Ako An Bisaya, Anupa, Consla, ASEAN, Amepa OFW, FICTAP, Global, KMM, Metro, PM, Samako, Sinag, Ito Ang Tama, Tinderong Pinoy, TRICAP, UNIDO, ALL-FISH, Awake, Kamais, PBB, 1-Ahapo, Ading, 1-AAMOVER, Ang Pamilya, AG, Alagad, ANAD, Kakusa, Kalikasan, and 1-Aani.
The Commission, however, said that the delisting of the 39 groups does not mean that no other party-lists can have their registrations cancelled before the next elections.
"This Resolution is without prejudice to the filing of any Petitions for cancellation or disqualification against any party, organization, or coalition and/or its nominees for the 09 May 2022 National and Local Elections," it said.
Based on Republic Act No. 7941, the Commission may, motu proprio or upon verified complaint of any interested party, remove or cancel, after due notice and hearing, the registration of any party-list group organization or coalition for its failure to participate in the last two preceding elections, or fails to obtain at least two percent of votes cast under the party-list system in the two preceding elections.
Comelec Resolution No. 9366 also provides that only party-lists duly registered with the Commission, and which have manifested their desire to participate in the party-list election, may participate in the party-list elections.