THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced a new policy prohibiting party-list organizations from using names associated with popular television shows or government assistance programs (“ayuda”) in future elections. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia stated that this practice is improper and will no longer be permitted during the next accreditation process.
“We would no longer allow party-lists to use popular TV show names or assistance program names. That is not proper,” Garcia said. While the Comelec cannot retroactively penalize already accredited organizations using such names, Garcia emphasized that future applicants must clearly identify their advocacies through their chosen names.
“We will no longer allow it next time. If they want accreditation, change the names of their party in accordance with their principles, what their platform is,” he added. The new policy aims to ensure clarity and prevent voter confusion stemming from party-list names that might exploit popular culture or government programs for political gain. The Comelec expects this change to promote a more transparent and issue-focused electoral landscape.
