Final Count In: Comelec to Proclaim Party-List Winners Today

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to officially proclaim today, Monday, May 19, the winning party-list groups that secured seats in the House of Representatives following the recent midterm elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed that the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) has finalized the canvassing of votes and will hold the proclamation ceremony at 3:00 PM today.

“There will be no partial proclamation,” Garcia clarified. “The list of winning party-list groups is now complete.”

The NBOC will also release a resolution indicating the number of seats each party-list group will occupy. A total of 63 seats have been allocated for party-list representation in the lower chamber.

However, Garcia mentioned that the poll body is currently reviewing legal remedies in response to appeals from certain groups seeking additional seats. These will be addressed based on the guidelines set by the Supreme Court in its 2009 ruling, which established the formula for allocating party-list seats.

According to the National Certificates of Canvass (COCs) issued by the NBOC, AKBAYAN emerged as the top-performing party-list, followed by Duterte Youth, Tingog, 4Ps, ACT-CIS, Ako Bicol, Uswag Ilonggo, Solid North, Trabaho, and CIBAC.

The party-list system, enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, aims to provide representation to marginalized and underrepresented sectors in Philippine society. The groups elected today will serve in the 20th Congress, playing key roles in crafting national policies and legislation.

Observers are watching closely how the composition of party-list representatives will influence the balance of power and the legislative agenda moving forward. The official proclamation is expected to bring clarity and momentum as Congress prepares to convene later this year.