Photo credit: Comelec

It has been over a month since we raised the issue of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) enabling the bastardization of the party-list system. Yet, glaring violations remain unaddressed.

The most blatant of these is the deceptive strategy employed by certain party-list groups using acronyms of popular government programs as their names.

Take, for instance, the GSIS-SSS Pensyonado Party-list, whose name creates the illusion that it is officially tied to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS).

Its first nominee, Rolando Macasaet, previously served as president of both the GSIS and SSS, which further blurs the line between legitimate representation and opportunistic branding.

Such tactics mislead voters into associating the party-list with government-administered benefits programs, thereby undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

Another example is the 4Ps Party-list ("Pagtibayin at Palaguin ang Pangkabuhayang Pilipino"), which misleadingly associates itself with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Despite the objections raised by the DSWD and clean-election advocates like Partylist Watch and Kontra Daya, COMELEC continues to allow these groups to operate unchecked.

This strategy is not only unethical but also a calculated attempt to confuse voters into believing these groups are directly tied to government assistance programs.

With the 2025 elections fast approaching and the printing of ballots imminent, COMELEC’s inaction raises serious questions about its role as the gatekeeper of fair elections.
COMELEC cannot feign helplessness in this matter. The Commission has vast powers under the Constitution and election laws, especially during election periods.

It has the authority to initiate investigations and act "moto proprio"—on its own initiative—to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

The use of government program acronyms as party-list names is a clear case of voter deception that warrants immediate action.

The reasoning of Chairman Garcia, often repeated on important issues, that the COMELEC is powerless does not hold water. The calculated intent behind these names is glaringly evident.

The COMELEC commissioners are composed of highly qualified individuals—a former city prosecutor, an educator, an engineer, lawyers from prestigious law schools and universities, and even a former dean of a law school.

Are they telling us that nobody among them can recognize this deceiving strategy employed by these groups? Even ordinary people—simple workers on the street—can see through it. Or is it simply that Chairman Garcia is scared to touch these groups?

Instead of offering shallow excuses, why doesn’t the COMELEC disallow the use of the government acronyms? Allow these groups to run without the acronyms.

Let them take you to court. Substantially, the Commission can argue that such names constitute a form of voter deception, violating the principles of fair elections enshrined in our laws, particularly the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits acts that mislead voters.

Protecting the public interest of voters should be paramount. By taking action, COMELEC would not only fulfill its mandate but also set a precedent for ensuring accountability in the electoral process.

By allowing these groups to participate in the elections, COMELEC is effectively endorsing their deceptive practices.

The multimillion-peso question is: why is COMELEC allowing this? Could it be due to internal inefficiencies, lack of political will, or worse, complicity?

Chairman George Garcia and the COMELEC leadership must realize that their inaction undermines the credibility of the party-list system and the electoral process as a whole.

The use of government program acronyms by party-lists not only confuses voters but also diminishes the chances of genuine groups representing marginalized sectors from securing seats in Congress.

The December deadline for printing ballots is fast approaching. If COMELEC fails to act now, it will cement its reputation as an enabler of political manipulation.

Chairman Garcia and the Commission must exercise their vast powers to order these groups to change their names or disqualify them outright.

The party-list system was created to give a voice to the voiceless. Allowing it to be hijacked by groups using deceptive tactics betrays the very essence of this system. COMELEC’s mandate is not just to oversee elections but to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.

Failing to address these violations will be a lasting stain on its record.

We urge Chairman Garcia and his team to act decisively. The public is watching, and history will judge COMELEC based on its response to this issue.

Will it remain a passive observer, or will it fulfill its mandate to protect the integrity of our elections? The answer lies in its willingness to take a stand against these violations.

COMELEC’s inaction speaks louder than words. It’s time for the Commission to rise above self-interest and inefficiencies and prove that it is committed to upholding the spirit of the party-list system.

Anything less is an endorsement of deceit and a betrayal of the public trust.

Ed Javier

Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 34 years of professional experience both in the private and public sectors. He is also an entrepreneur, political analyst, newspaper columnist, broadcast and on-line journalist.