Screening of party-lists almost done

By Paula Bianca Arriola

Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday that the final list of accredited party-list organizations will come out by the end of October.

 According to Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, about 290 party-lists have applied for the 2013 midterm elections.

However, only 150 to 200 applicants will be given accreditation. Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in an interview that the process of selection will include the track record of the party-list, exact record of what or who it represents, and if it really represents the “marginalized sector.”

 “There are two basic requirements for a party-list organization [who will run for the 2013 polls]. First, you have to represent a marginalized sector.

And second, you must show that you’re actually doing something for this marginalized sector.” Jimenez said.

 He also added that the registration of party-list organizations ended on March 31 this year, and they filed their Manifestation of Intent to Participate on May 31.

Comelec has not yet released the partial list of accredited party-list organizations, but Jimenez disclosed that the committee-in-charge of the screening has denied more than 40 groups already.

 He added that aside from the new applicants, existing party-lists are being assessed well by the screening body. Currently, there are 165 new applicants and 125 existing party-lists.