The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced plans to clarify and amend the Party-list Law following the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify retired poll commissioner Rowena Guanzon’s substitution as a nominee for the P3PWD party-list in the 2022 elections.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the High Court’s ruling provided much-needed guidance on areas previously considered ambiguous, particularly on the substitution of nominees in party-list groups.
“The decision is highly beneficial as it clarified gray areas that were previously open to varying interpretations,” Garcia stated in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
Pushing for Amendments
Garcia emphasized that the poll body will use the SC ruling as a basis to push for changes in its policies, especially on nominee substitution timelines.
“We will amend our existing rules on party-list groups, focusing on substitution of nominees, whether it occurs before or after the elections,” he said.
In October, Comelec had already called for a complete overhaul of Republic Act (RA) No. 7941, which governs the party-list system, to address evolving issues and improve the implementation of the law.
SC Decision on Guanzon Substitution
The SC en banc recently granted a petition by the Duterte Youth party-list declaring Comelec’s resolution that allowed Guanzon’s substitution as null and void. In a 131-page decision, the court underscored the importance of adhering to deadlines and established rules for candidate substitution.
Garcia highlighted the Comelec’s firm stance during the 2025 midterm election preparations, which banned the substitution of candidates beyond the deadline unless due to death or disqualification.
“When a deadline is set, substitutions should only happen within that period. No changes should be allowed during or after the elections,” Garcia explained.
The poll body believes these amendments will strengthen the integrity of the electoral process and prevent potential abuses in the party-list system.