The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started accepting applications for registration from political parties and party-lists.
"Please be informed that the Clerk of the Commission on Elections has started receiving verified petitions for registration as political party or a coalition of political parties or a national, regional, or sectoral party-list group," the Comelec said in an advisory on Sunday, Aug. 28.
"Reception of verified petitions for registration compliant with Comelec Resolution No. 10673 shall be during regular working hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, excluding Holidays," it added.
Those who have inquiries may call the Office of the Clerk of the Commission at 02-85273002 or 02-85272770, email at [email protected], or visit the official Comelec website at www.comelec.gov.ph.
Based on Section 60 of the Omnibus Election Code, in order to acquire a juridical personality, qualify it for subsequent accreditation, and to entitle it to the rights and privileges granted to political parties, a political party shall first be duly registered with the Commission.
Section 5 also of the Party-List System Act provides that any organized group of persons may register as a party-list group by filing with the Comelec a petition verified by its president or secretary stating its desire to participate in the party-list system.