NTF-ELCAC Questions COMELEC's Award of 64th Partylist Seat to Gabriela Women’s Party

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has expressed serious concerns over the Commission on Elections' (COMELEC) recent decision to allocate the 64th partylist seat in the House of Representatives to the Gabriela Women’s Party. NTF-ELCAC warned that this move may violate constitutional limits and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

In an official statement released Tuesday, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. highlighted that the Philippine Constitution restricts partylist representation to a maximum of 20 percent of the entire House membership. With 317 members currently serving in the 20th Congress, the cap for partylist seats is set at 63. Hence, the creation and awarding of a 64th seat, according to Torres, appears to exceed legal parameters.

"We call on COMELEC to provide a clear explanation on how this decision complies with the Constitution, which it is sworn to uphold. Exceeding the prescribed limits risks compromising the integrity of our institutions," Torres emphasized.

The task force also pointed out the controversial nature of the beneficiary. Gabriela Women’s Party, known for its left-leaning positions, has had a pending disqualification case before COMELEC since 2019. This ongoing legal challenge casts further doubt on COMELEC's decision.

The NTF-ELCAC's statement underscores the delicate balance between electoral regulations and the preservation of democratic principles amid politically sensitive contexts.