Poll watchdog asks Comelec to release info on party-list groups

FILE: Commission on Elections (COMELEC) at the Palacio del Gobernador Bldg., Gen. Luna St. cor. Andres Soriano Jr. Ave, Intramuros, Manila (Photo By Elmer B. Domingo – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA — An election monitoring group on Saturday called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to release pertinent information on aspirants who filed certificates of nomination and acceptance (CONA) of party-list groups in connection with the May 2019 elections.

In a statement, Kontra Daya said those seeking to be elected or represent party-list organizations in the House of Representatives should be presented to the public for scrutiny and transparency.

“Releasing this information online, for all the world to see and scrutinize, would show Comelec’s adherence to transparency and accountability,” it said.

“Election monitoring groups and the public could benefit from a more exhaustive information coming from the Comelec itself, particularly if readily accessible from its website,” it added.

The group said such measure would also help bolster Comelec’s commitment in making the elections clean and honest.

The poll body is expected to start posting the tentative list of candidates on Nov. 5.

Kontra Daya added that being transparent with information on party-list groups is consistent with enhancing the 2019 elections, a promise made by Sheriff Abas when he was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments as poll body chair last May 23.

A total of 185 party-list groups have submitted their CONAs during the five-day filing period that ended on Oct. 17.