Comelec: Too early to file petitions for accreditation

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday urged political parties and party-list groups not to file applications for accreditation pending review of the new regulations the poll body is crafting.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said it’s still too early to file for accreditation.

“The 2016 election is two years away. If you file now, you may have to amend your application when we come up with a new set of regulations,” he said.

Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle said they deemed it necessary to review their regulations because of a ruling issued by the Supreme Court prior to the May 2013 polls.

The SC ruling allows political parties and groups to participate in the party-list elections even if they are not representing marginalized and under-represented sectors.

At present, there are around 200 national and local political parties accredited with the Comelec.