The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that after the May 12 midterm elections, party-list groups will no longer be allowed to use “ayuda-sounding” or misleading names resembling government programs.
Chairman George Garcia said the new accreditation rules aim to prevent names that confuse voters, such as those mimicking the DSWD’s 4Ps program or popular TV shows.
While existing party-lists cannot be renamed due to legal constraints, Garcia revealed that only 42 groups were accredited under the current leadership, one of the lowest in history.
He also reminded politicians that distributing aid or appearing during ayuda releases during the election period could be grounds for disqualification.
Meanwhile, the Comelec and partner Miru Systems urged the Supreme Court to dismiss a petition demanding disclosure of 2025 election documents, calling it procedurally flawed and lacking legal basis.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 16, 2025
