Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Manila EN BANC G.R. No. 17 !71 Ap"il !1# !

$$

Can-asse"s +NBC, (e.al G"oup# to /en9 the petition of BANAT fo" bein. :oot. BANAT file/ befo"e the COME(EC En Banc# actin. as NBC# a Petition to P"oclai: the 'ull Nu:be" of Pa"t93(ist Rep"esentati-es P"o-i/e/ b9 the Constitution. The follo>in. a"e inte"-eno"s in G.R. No. 17 !717 A"ts Business an/ Science P"ofessionals +ABS,# Aan.at Ta9o +AT,# an/ Coalition of Associations of Senio" Citi?ens in the Philippines# &nc. +Senio" Citi?ens,. Petitione"s in G.R. No. 17 ! 4 8 Ba9an Muna# Abono# an/ A/-ocac9 fo" Teache" E:po>e":ent Th"ou.h Action# Coope"ation an/ 1a":on9 To>a"/s E/ucational Refo":s +A Teache", 8 in a petition fo" ce"tio"a"i >ith :an/a:us an/ p"ohibition#; assails NBC Resolution No. $73@$< p"o:ul.ate/ on 6ul9 !$$7. NBC No. $73@$ :a/e a pa"tial p"ocla:ation of pa"ties# o".ani?ations an/ coalitions that obtaine/ at least t>o pe"cent of the total -otes cast un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste:. The COME(EC announce/ that# upon co:pletion of the can-ass of the pa"t93list "esults# it >oul/ /ete":ine the total nu:be" of seats of each >innin. pa"t9# o".ani?ation# o" coalition in acco"/ance >ith *ete"ans 'e/e"ation Pa"t9 -. COME(EC4 +*ete"ans,. Est"ella )( Santos# in he" capacit9 as P"esi/ent an/ 'i"st No:inee of the *ete"ans '"ee/o: Pa"t9# file/ a :otion to inte"-ene in both G.R. Nos. 17 !71 an/ 17 ! 4. The 'acts The 1< Ma9 !$$7 elections inclu/e/ the elections fo" the pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es. The COME(EC counte/ 14# 4$# $$ -otes cast fo" ; pa"ties un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste:.@ On !7 6une !$$!# BANAT file/ a Petition to P"oclai: the 'ull Nu:be" of Pa"t93(ist Rep"esentati-es P"o-i/e/ b9 the Constitution# /ocAete/ as NBC No. $73$<1 +P(, befo"e the NBC. BANAT file/ its petition because BCtDhe Chai":an an/ the Me:be"s of the CCOME(ECD ha-e "ecentl9 been Euote/ in the national pape"s that the CCOME(ECD is /ut9 boun/ to an/ shall i:ple:ent the *ete"ans "ulin.# that is# >oul/ appl9 the Pan.aniban fo":ula in allocatin. pa"t93list seats.B7 The"e >e"e no inte"-eno"s in BANAT=s petition befo"e the NBC. BANAT file/ a :e:o"an/u: on 1 6ul9 !$$7. 1

BARANGA% ASSOC&AT&ON 'OR NAT&ONA( A)*ANCEMENT AN) TRANSPARENC% +BANAT,# Petitione"# -s. COMM&SS&ON ON E(ECT&ONS +sittin. as the National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s,# Respon/ent. ARTS BUS&NESS AN) SC&ENCE PRO'ESS&ONA(S# &nte"-eno". AANGAT TA%O# &nte"-eno". COA(&T&ON O' ASSOC&AT&ONS O' SEN&OR C&T&0ENS &N T1E P1&(&PP&NES# &NC. +SEN&OR C&T&0ENS,# &nte"-eno". 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 32 G.R. No. 17 ! 4 Ap"il !1# !$$

BA%AN MUNA# A)*OCAC% 'OR TEAC1ER EMPO5ERMENT T1ROUG1 ACT&ON# COOPERAT&ON AN) 1ARMON% TO5AR)S E)UCAT&ONA( RE'ORMS# &NC.# an/ ABONO# Petitione"s# -s. COMM&SS&ON ON E(ECT&ONS# Respon/ent. )EC&S&ON CARP&O# 6.7 The Case Petitione" in G.R. No. 17 !71 8 Ba"an.a9 Association fo" National A/-ance:ent an/ T"anspa"enc9 +BANAT, 8 in a petition fo" ce"tio"a"i an/ :an/a:us#1 assails the Resolution! p"o:ul.ate/ on ; Au.ust !$$7 b9 the Co::ission on Elections +COME(EC, in NBC No. $73$<1 +P(,. The COME(EC=s "esolution in NBC No. $73$<1 +P(, app"o-e/ the "eco::en/ation of Att9. Alio/en ). )alai.# 1ea/ of the National Boa"/ of

On 6ul9 !$$7# the COME(EC# sittin. as the NBC# p"o:ul.ate/ NBC Resolution No. $73@$. NBC Resolution No. $73@$ p"oclai:e/ thi"teen +1;, pa"ties as >inne"s in the pa"t93list elections# na:el97 Buha9 1a9aan %u:abon. +BU1A%,# Ba9an Muna# Citi?ens= Battle A.ainst Co""uption +C&BAC,# Gab"iela=s 5o:en Pa"t9 +Gab"iela,# Association of Philippine Elect"ic Coope"ati-es +APEC,# A Teache"# AAba9anF Citi?en=s Action Pa"t9 +AGBA%AN,# Ala.a/# (u?on 'a":e"s Pa"t9 +BUT&(,# Coope"ati-e3Natco Net>o"A Pa"t9 +COOP3NATCCO,# AnaA Pa>is# Alliance of Ru"al Conce"ns +ARC,# an/ Abono. 5e Euote NBC Resolution No. $73@$ in its enti"et9 belo>7 51EREAS# the Co::ission on Elections sittin. en banc as National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s# th"u its Sub3Co::ittee fo" Pa"t93(ist# as of $; 6ul9 !$$7# ha/ officiall9 can-asse/# in open an/ public p"ocee/in.s# a total of fifteen :illion t>o hun/"e/ ei.ht9 th"ee thousan/ si2 hun/"e/ fift93nine +14#!H;#@4 , -otes un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste: of Rep"esentation# in connection >ith the National an/ (ocal Elections con/ucte/ last 1< Ma9 !$$7I 51EREAS# the stu/9 con/ucte/ b9 the (e.al an/ Tabulation G"oups of the National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s "e-eals that the p"oJecte/K:a2i:u: total pa"t93list -otes cannot .o an9 hi.he" than si2teen :illion se-en hun/"e/ t>ent9 th"ee thousan/ one hun/"e/ t>ent93one +1@#7!;#1!1, -otes .i-en the follo>in. statistical /ata7 P"oJecte/KMa2i:u: Pa"t93(ist *otes fo" Ma9 !$$7 Elections i. Total pa"t93list -otes al"ea/9 can-asse/Ktabulate/ 14#!H;#@4 ii. Total pa"t93list -otes "e:ainin. uncan-asse/K untabulate/ +i.e. can-ass /efe""e/, 1#;;7#$;! iii. Ma2i:u: pa"t93list -otes +base/ on 1$$L outco:e, f"o: a"eas not 9et sub:itte/ fo" can-ass +Bo.o# CebuI Bais Cit9I Panta"# (anao /el No"teI an/ Pa.alun.an# Ma.uin/anao, 1$!#<;$ Ma2i:u: Total Pa"t93(ist *otes 1@#7!;#1!1 51EREAS# Section 11 of Republic Act No. 7 <1 +Pa"t93(ist S9ste: Act, p"o-i/es in pa"t7 The pa"ties# o".ani?ations# an/ coalitions "ecei-in. at least t>o pe"cent +!L, of the total -otes cast fo" the pa"t93list s9ste: shall be entitle/ to one

seat each7 p"o-i/e/# that those .a"ne"in. :o"e than t>o pe"cent +!L, of the -otes shall be entitle/ to a//itional seats in p"opo"tion to thei" total nu:be" of -otes7 p"o-i/e/# finall9# that each pa"t9# o".ani?ation# o" coalition shall be entitle/ to not :o"e than th"ee +;, seats. 51EREAS# fo" the !$$7 Elections# base/ on the abo-e p"oJecte/ total of pa"t93list -otes# the p"esu:pti-e t>o pe"cent +!L, th"eshol/ can be pe..e/ at th"ee hun/"e/ thi"t9 fou" thousan/ fou" hun/"e/ si2t93t>o +;;<#<@!, -otesI 51EREAS# the Sup"e:e Cou"t# in Citi?en=s Battle A.ainst Co""uption +C&BAC, -e"sus COME(EC# "eite"ate/ its "ulin. in *ete"ans 'e/e"ation Pa"t9 -e"sus COME(EC a/optin. a fo":ula fo" the a//itional seats of each pa"t9# o".ani?ation o" coalition "ece-in. :o"e than the "eEui"e/ t>o pe"cent +!L, -otes# statin. that the sa:e shall be /ete":ine/ onl9 afte" all pa"t93list ballots ha-e been co:pletel9 can-asse/I 51EREAS# the pa"ties# o".ani?ations# an/ coalitions that ha-e thus fa" .a"ne"e/ at least th"ee hun/"e/ thi"t9 fou" thousan/ fou" hun/"e/ si2t93t>o +;;<#<@!, -otes a"e as follo>s7 RANG PART%KORGAN&0AT&ONK COA(&T&ON 1 BU1A% ! BA%AN MUNA ; C&BAC < GABR&E(A 4 APEC @ A TEAC1ER 7 AGBA%AN H A(AGA) BUT&( 1$ COOP3NATCO 11 BATAS 1! ANAG PA5&S 1; ARC 1< ABONO *OTES RECE&*E) 1#1@;#!1H 7!#7;$ 7@$#!@$ @1$#<41 4;H# 71 <7@#$;@ <7$#H7! <!;#$7@ <$4#$4! ; $#$! ;H@#;@1 ;7@#$;@ ;;H#1 < ;;7#$<@

51EREAS# e2cept fo" Ba.on. Al9ansan. Ta.apa.ta.u9o/ n. A/hiAain. Sa:ba9anan +BATAS,# a.ainst >hich an URGENT PET&T&ON 'OR 2

CANCE((AT&ONKREMO*A( O' REG&STRAT&ON AN) )&SMUA(&'&CAT&ON O' PART%3(&ST NOM&NEE +5ith P"a9e" fo" the &ssuance of Rest"ainin. O"/e", has been file/ befo"e the Co::ission# /ocAete/ as SPC No. $73!4$# all the pa"ties# o".ani?ations an/ coalitions inclu/e/ in the afo"e:entione/ list a"e the"efo"e entitle/ to at least one seat un/e" the pa"t93list s9ste: of "ep"esentation in the :eanti:e. NO5# T1ERE'ORE# b9 -i"tue of the po>e"s -este/ in it b9 the Constitution# the O:nibus Election Co/e# E2ecuti-e O"/e" No. 1<<# Republic Act Nos. @@<@# 71@@# 7 <1# an/ othe" election la>s# the Co::ission on Elections# sittin. en banc as the National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s# he"eb9 RESO(*ES to PART&A((% PROC(A&M# subJect to ce"tain con/itions set fo"th belo># the follo>in. pa"ties# o".ani?ations an/ coalitions pa"ticipatin. un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste:7 1 ! ; < 4 @ 7 H 1$ 11 1! 1; Buha9 1a9aan %u:abon. BU1A% Ba9an Muna BA%AN MUNA Citi?ens Battle A.ainst Co""uption C&BAC Gab"iela 5o:en=s Pa"t9 GABR&E(A Association of Philippine Elect"ic Coope"ati-es APEC A/-ocac9 fo" Teache" E:po>e":ent Th"ou.h Action# Coope"ation an/ 1a":on9 To>a"/s E/ucational Refo":s# &nc. A TEAC1ER AAba9anF Citi?en=s Action Pa"t9 AGBA%AN Ala.a/ A(AGA) (u?on 'a":e"s Pa"t9 BUT&( Coope"ati-e3Natco Net>o"A Pa"t9 COOP3NATCCO AnaA Pa>is ANAGPA5&S Alliance of Ru"al Conce"ns ARC Abono ABONO

The p"ocla:ation of Ba.on. Al9ansan. Ta.apa.ta.u9o/ n. A/hiAain. Sa:ba9anan +BATAS, is he"eb9 /efe""e/ until final "esolution of SPC No. $73!4$# in o"/e" not to "en/e" the p"ocee/in.s the"ein :oot an/ aca/e:ic. 'inall9# all p"ocla:ation of the no:inees of conce"ne/ pa"ties# o".ani?ations an/ coalitions >ith pen/in. /isputes shall liAe>ise be hel/ in abe9ance until final "esolution of thei" "especti-e cases. (et the Cle"A of the Co::ission i:ple:ent this Resolution# fu"nishin. a cop9 the"eof to the SpeaAe" of the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es of the Philippines. SO OR)ERE).H +E:phasis in the o"i.inal, Pu"suant to NBC Resolution No. $73@$# the COME(EC# actin. as NBC# p"o:ul.ate/ NBC Resolution No. $737!# >hich /ecla"e/ the a//itional seats allocate/ to the app"op"iate pa"ties. 5e Euote f"o: the COME(EC=s inte"p"etation of the *ete"ans fo":ula as foun/ in NBC Resolution No. $73 7!7 51EREAS# on 6ul9 # !$$7# the Co::ission on Elections sittin. en banc as the National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s p"oclai:e/ thi"teen +1;, Eualifie/ pa"ties# o".ani?ationCsD an/ coalitions base/ on the p"esu:pti-e t>o pe"cent +!L, th"eshol/ of ;;<#<@! -otes f"o: the p"oJecte/ :a2i:u: total nu:be" of pa"t93list -otes of 1@#7!;#1!1# an/ >e"e thus .i-en one +1, .ua"antee/ pa"t93list seat eachI 51EREAS# pe" Repo"t of the Tabulation G"oup an/ Supe"-iso"9 Co::ittee of the National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s# the p"oJecte/ :a2i:u: total pa"t93list -otes# as of 6ul9 11# !$$7# base/ on the -otes actuall9 can-asse/# -otes can-asse/ but not inclu/e/ in Repo"t No. ! # -otes "ecei-e/ but uncan-asse/# an/ :a2i:u: -otes e2pecte/ fo" Panta"# (anao /el No"te# is 1@#!@1#;@ I an/ that the p"oJecte/ :a2i:u: total -otes fo" the thi"teen +1;, Eualifie/ pa"ties# o".ani?ations an/ coalitionCsD a"e as follo>s7 1 ! ; Pa"t93(ist BU1A% BA%AN MUNA C&BAC P"oJecte/ total nu:be" of -otes 1#17H#7<7 77#<7@ 744# @< 3

This is >ithout p"eJu/ice to the p"ocla:ation of othe" pa"ties# o".ani?ations# o" coalitions >hich :a9 late" on be establishe/ to ha-e obtaine/ at least t>o pe"cent +!L, of the total actual -otes cast un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste:. The total nu:be" of seats of each >innin. pa"t9# o".ani?ation o" coalition shall be /ete":ine/ pu"suant to *ete"ans 'e/e"ation Pa"t9 -e"sus COME(EC fo":ula upon co:pletion of the can-ass of the pa"t93list "esults.

< 4 @ 7 H 1$ 11 1! 1;

GABR&E(A APEC A TEAC1ER AGBA%AN A(AGA) BUT&( COOP3NATCO ANAGPA5&S ARC ABONO

@!1#71H @!!#<H < !#;@ <@!#@7< <!;#1 $ <$ #! H <1!# !$ ;7$#1@4 ;74#H<@ ;<$#141

51EREAS# appl9in. the abo-e fo":ula# Buha9 obtaine/ the follo>in. pe"centa.e7 1#17H#7<7 1@#!@1#;@ N $.$7!<H o" 7.!L

>hich entitles it to t>o +!, a//itional seats. 51EREAS# in /ete":inin. the a//itional seats fo" the othe" Eualifie/ pa"ties# o".ani?ations an/ coalitions# the co""ect fo":ula as e2p"esse/ in *ete"ans an/ "eite"ate/ in C&BAC is# as follo>s7 A//itional seats fo" a conce"ne/ pa"t9 N No. of -otes of conce"ne/ pa"t9 No. of No. of -otes of fi"st pa"t9 2 a//itional seats allocate/ to fi"st pa"t9

51EREAS# base/ on the abo-e Repo"t# Buha9 1a9aan %u:abon. +Buha9, obtaine/ the hi.hest nu:be" of -otes a:on. the thi"teen +1;, Eualifie/ pa"ties# o".ani?ations an/ coalitions# :aAin. it the Bfi"st pa"t9B in acco"/ance >ith *ete"ans 'e/e"ation Pa"t9 -e"sus COME(EC# "eite"ate/ in Citi?en=s Battle A.ainst Co""uption +C&BAC, -e"sus COME(ECI 51EREAS# Eualifie/ pa"ties# o".ani?ations an/ coalitions pa"ticipatin. un/e" the pa"t93list s9ste: of "ep"esentation that ha-e obtaine/ one .ua"antee/ +1, seat :a9 be entitle/ to an a//itional seat o" seats base/ on the fo":ula p"esc"ibe/ b9 the Sup"e:e Cou"t in *ete"ansI 51EREAS# in /ete":inin. the a//itional seats fo" the Bfi"st pa"t9B# the co""ect fo":ula as e2p"esse/ in *ete"ans# is7 Nu:be" of -otes of fi"st pa"t9 Total -otes fo" pa"t93list s9ste: N P"opo"tion of -otes of fi"st pa"t9 "elati-e to total -otes fo" pa"t93list s9ste:

51EREAS# appl9in. the abo-e fo":ula# the "esults a"e as follo>s7 Pa"t9 (ist BA%AN MUNA C&BAC GABR&E(A APEC A TEAC1ER AGBA%AN A(AGA) BUT&( COOP3NATCO ANAGPA5&S ARC ABONO Pe"centa.e 1.@4 1.!H 1.$4 1.$4 $.H; $.7H $.71 $.@ $.@ $.@! $.@; $.47 A//itional Seat 1 1 1 1 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

>he"ein the p"opo"tion of -otes "ecei-e/ b9 the fi"st pa"t9 +>ithout "oun/in. off, shall entitle it to a//itional seats7 P"opo"tion of -otes "ecei-e/ b9 the fi"st pa"t9 EEual to o" at least @L EEual to o" ."eate" than <L but less than @L (ess than <L A//itional seats T>o +!, a//itional seats One +1, a//itional seat No a//itional seat

NO5 T1ERE'ORE# b9 -i"tue of the po>e"s -este/ in it b9 the Constitution# O:nibus Election Co/e# E2ecuti-e O"/e" No. 1<<# Republic Act Nos. @@<@# 71@@# 7 <1 an/ othe" elections la>s# the Co::ission on Elections en banc sittin. as the National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s# he"eb9 RESO(*E)# as it he"eb9 RESO(*ES# to p"oclai: the follo>in. pa"ties# o".ani?ations o" coalitions as entitle/ to a//itional seats# to >it7 4

Pa"t9 (ist BU1A% BA%AN MUNA C&BAC GABR&E(A APEC

A//itional Seats ! 1 1 1 1

Petitione" Ba"an.a9 Association fo" National A/-ance:ent an/ T"anspa"enc9 +BANAT,# in its Petition to P"oclai: the 'ull Nu:be" of Pa"t93 (ist Rep"esentati-es P"o-i/e/ b9 the Constitution p"a9e/ fo" the follo>in. "eliefs# to >it7 1. That the full nu:be" 33 t>ent9 pe"cent +!$L, 33 of Pa"t93(ist "ep"esentati-es as :an/ate/ b9 Section 4# A"ticle *& of the Constitution shall be p"oclai:e/. !. Pa"a."aph +b,# Section 11 of RA 7 <1 >hich p"esc"ibes the !L th"eshol/ -otes# shoul/ be ha":oni?e/ >ith Section 4# A"ticle *& of the Constitution an/ >ith Section 1! of the sa:e RA 7 <1 in that it shoul/ be applicable onl9 to the fi"st pa"t93list "ep"esentati-e seats to be allotte/ on the basis of thei" initialKfi"st "anAin.. ;. The ;3seat li:it p"esc"ibe/ b9 RA 7 <1 shall be applie/I an/ <. &nitiall9# all pa"t93list ."oups shall be .i-en the nu:be" of seats co""espon/in. to e-e"9 !L of the -otes the9 "ecei-e/ an/ the a//itional seats shall be allocate/ in acco"/ance >ith Section 1! of RA 7 <1# that is# in p"opo"tion to the pe"centa.e of -otes obtaine/ b9 each pa"t93list ."oup in "elation to the total nation>i/e -otes cast in the pa"t93list election# afte" /e/uctin. the co""espon/in. -otes of those >hich >e"e allotte/ seats un/e" the !L th"eshol/ "ule. &n fine# the fo":ulaKp"oce/u"e p"esc"ibe/ in the BA((OCAT&ON O' PART%3(&ST SEATS# ANNEO BAB of COME(EC RESO(UT&ON !H<7 /ate/ !4 6une 1 @# shall be use/ fo" CtheD pu"pose of /ete":inin. ho> :an9 seats shall be p"oclai:e/# >hich pa"t93list ."oups a"e entitle/ to "ep"esentati-e seats an/ ho> :an9 of thei" no:inees shall seat CsicD. 4. &n the alte"nati-e# to /ecla"e as unconstitutional Section 11 of Republic Act No. 7 <1 an/ that the p"oce/u"e in allocatin. seats fo" pa"t93list "ep"esentati-e p"esc"ibe/ b9 Section 1! of RA 7 <1 shall be follo>e/. R E C O M M E N ) A T & O N7 The petition of BANAT is no> :oot an/ aca/e:ic.

This is >ithout p"eJu/ice to the p"ocla:ation of othe" pa"ties# o".ani?ations o" coalitions >hich :a9 late" on be establishe/ to ha-e obtaine/ at least t>o pe" cent +!L, of the total -otes cast un/e" the pa"t93list s9ste: to entitle the: to one +1, .ua"antee/ seat# o" to the app"op"iate pe"centa.e of -otes to entitle the: to one +1, a//itional seat. 'inall9# all p"ocla:ation of the no:inees of conce"ne/ pa"ties# o".ani?ations an/ coalitions >ith pen/in. /isputes shall liAe>ise be hel/ in abe9ance until final "esolution of thei" "especti-e cases. (et the National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s Sec"eta"iat i:ple:ent this Resolution# fu"nishin. a cop9 he"eof to the SpeaAe" of the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es of the Philippines. SO OR)ERE). Actin. on BANAT=s petition# the NBC p"o:ul.ate/ NBC Resolution No. $73 HH on ; Au.ust !$$7# >hich "ea/s as follo>s7 This pe"tains to the Petition to P"oclai: the 'ull Nu:be" of Pa"t93(ist Rep"esentati-es P"o-i/e/ b9 the Constitution file/ b9 the Ba"an.a9 Association fo" National A/-ance:ent an/ T"anspa"enc9 +BANAT,. Actin. on the fo"e.oin. Petition of the Ba"an.a9 Association fo" National A/-ance:ent an/ T"anspa"enc9 +BANAT, pa"t93list# Att9. Alio/en ). )alai.# 1ea/# National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s (e.al G"oup sub:itte/ his co::entsKobse"-ations an/ "eco::en/ation the"eon CNBC $73$<1 +P(,D# >hich "ea/s7 COMMENTS K OBSER*AT&ONS7

The Co::ission En Banc in NBC Resolution No. $73@$ p"o:ul.ate/ 6ul9 # !$$7 "e B&n the Matte" of the Can-ass of *otes an/ Pa"tial P"ocla:ation 5

of the Pa"ties# O".ani?ations an/ Coalitions Pa"ticipatin. Un/e" the Pa"t93 (ist S9ste: )u"in. the Ma9 1<# !$$7 National an/ (ocal ElectionsB "esol-e/ a:on. othe"s that the total nu:be" of seats of each >innin. pa"t9# o".ani?ation o" coalition shall be /ete":ine/ pu"suant to the *ete"ans 'e/e"ation Pa"t9 -e"sus COME(EC fo":ula upon co:pletion of the can-ass of the pa"t93list "esults.B1a>phi1 51ERE'ORE# p"e:ises consi/e"e/# the National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s RESO(*E)# as it he"eb9 RESO(*ES# to app"o-e an/ a/opt the "eco::en/ation of Att9. Alio/en ). )alai.# 1ea/# NBC (e.al G"oup# to )EN% the he"ein petition of BANAT fo" bein. :oot an/ aca/e:ic. (et the Supe"-iso"9 Co::ittee i:ple:ent this "esolution. SO OR)ERE).1$ BANAT file/ a petition fo" ce"tio"a"i an/ :an/a:us assailin. the "ulin. in NBC Resolution No. $73HH. BANAT /i/ not file a :otion fo" "econsi/e"ation of NBC Resolution No. $73HH. On 6ul9 !$$7# Ba9an Muna# Abono# an/ A Teache" asAe/ the COME(EC# actin. as NBC# to "econsi/e" its /ecision to use the *ete"ans fo":ula as state/ in its NBC Resolution No. $73@$ because the *ete"ans fo":ula is -iolati-e of the Constitution an/ of Republic Act No. 7 <1 +R.A. No. 7 <1,. On the sa:e /a9# the COME(EC /enie/ "econsi/e"ation /u"in. the p"ocee/in.s of the NBC.11 Asi/e f"o: the thi"teen pa"t93list o".ani?ations p"oclai:e/ on 6ul9 !$$7# the COME(EC p"oclai:e/ th"ee othe" pa"t93list o".ani?ations as Eualifie/ pa"ties entitle/ to one .ua"antee/ seat un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste:7 A."icultu"al Secto" Alliance of the Philippines# &nc. +AGAP,#1! AnaA Min/anao +AM&N,#1; an/ An 5a"a9.1< Pe" the ce"tification14 b9 COME(EC# the follo>in. pa"t93list o".ani?ations ha-e been p"oclai:e/ as of 1 Ma9 !$$H7 Pa"t93(ist 1.1 Buha9 1.! Ba9an Muna 1.; C&BAC 1.< Gab"iela No. of Seat+s, ; ! ! !

1.4 1.@ 1.7 1.H 1. 1.1$ 1.11 1.1! 1.1; 1.1< 1.14

APEC A Teache" AAba9an Ala.a/ Butil Coop3Natco CsicD AnaA Pa>is ARC Abono AGAP AM&N

! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

The p"ocla:ation of Ba.on. Al9ansan. Ta.apa.ta.u9o/ n. A/hiAain. Sa:ba9anan +BATAS,# a.ainst >hich an U".ent Petition fo" CancellationKRe:o-al of Re.ist"ation an/ )isEualification of Pa"t93list No:inee +>ith P"a9e" fo" the &ssuance of Rest"ainin. O"/e", has been file/ befo"e the COME(EC# >as /efe""e/ pen/in. final "esolution of SPC No. $73!4$. &ssues BANAT b"ou.ht the follo>in. issues befo"e this Cou"t7 1. &s the t>ent9 pe"cent allocation fo" pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es p"o-i/e/ in Section 4+!,# A"ticle *& of the Constitution :an/ato"9 o" is it :e"el9 a ceilin.P !. &s the th"ee3seat li:it p"o-i/e/ in Section 11+b, of RA 7 <1 constitutionalP ;. &s the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ an/ BEualifie"B -otes p"esc"ibe/ b9 the sa:e Section 11+b, of RA 7 <1 constitutionalP <. 1o> shall the pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es be allocate/P1@ Ba9an Muna# A Teache"# an/ Abono# on the othe" han/# "aise/ the follo>in. issues in thei" petition7 &. Respon/ent Co::ission on Elections# actin. as National Boa"/ of Can-asse"s# co::itte/ ."a-e abuse of /isc"etion a:ountin. to lacA o" 6

e2cess of Ju"is/iction >hen it p"o:ul.ate/ NBC Resolution No. $73@$ to i:ple:ent the 'i"st3Pa"t9 Rule in the allocation of seats to Eualifie/ pa"t93 list o".ani?ations as sai/ "ule7 A. *iolates the constitutional p"inciple of p"opo"tional "ep"esentation. B. *iolates the p"o-isions of RA 7 <1 pa"ticula"l97 1. The !3<3@ 'o":ula use/ b9 the 'i"st Pa"t9 Rule in allocatin. a//itional seats fo" the B'i"st Pa"t9B -iolates the p"inciple of p"opo"tional "ep"esentation un/e" RA 7 <1. !. The use of t>o fo":ulas in the allocation of a//itional seats# one fo" the B'i"st Pa"t9B an/ anothe" fo" the Eualif9in. pa"ties# -iolates Section 11+b, of RA 7 <1. ;. The p"opo"tional "elationships un/e" the 'i"st Pa"t9 Rule a"e /iffe"ent f"o: those "eEui"e/ un/e" RA 7 <1I C. *iolates the B'ou" &n-iolable Pa"a:ete"sB of the Philippine pa"t93list s9ste: as p"o-i/e/ fo" un/e" the sa:e case of *ete"ans 'e/e"ation Pa"t9# et al. -. COME(EC. &&. P"esu:in. that the Co::ission on Elections /i/ not co::it ."a-e abuse of /isc"etion a:ountin. to lacA o" e2cess of Ju"is/iction >hen it i:ple:ente/ the 'i"st3Pa"t9 Rule in the allocation of seats to Eualifie/ pa"t93list o".ani?ations# the sa:e bein. :e"el9 in consonance >ith the "ulin. in *ete"ans 'e/e"ations Pa"t9# et al. -. COME(EC# the instant Petition is a Justiciable case as the issues in-ol-e/ he"ein a"e constitutional in natu"e# in-ol-in. the co""ect inte"p"etation an/ i:ple:entation of RA 7 <1# an/ a"e of t"anscen/ental i:po"tance to ou" nation.17 Consi/e"in. the alle.ations in the petitions an/ the co::ents of the pa"ties in these cases# >e /efine/ the follo>in. issues in ou" a/-iso"9 fo" the o"al a".u:ents set on !! Ap"il !$$H7 1. &s the t>ent9 pe"cent allocation fo" pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es in Section 4+!,# A"ticle *& of the Constitution :an/ato"9 o" :e"el9 a ceilin.P !. &s the th"ee3seat li:it in Section 11+b, of RA 7 <1 constitutionalP

;. &s the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ p"esc"ibe/ in Section 11+b, of RA 7 <1 to Eualif9 fo" one seat constitutionalP <. 1o> shall the pa"t93list "ep"esentati-e seats be allocate/P 4. )oes the Constitution p"ohibit the :aJo" political pa"ties f"o: pa"ticipatin. in the pa"t93list electionsP &f not# can the :aJo" political pa"ties be ba""e/ f"o: pa"ticipatin. in the pa"t93list electionsP1H The Rulin. of the Cou"t The petitions ha-e pa"tial :e"it. 5e :aintain that a Philippine3st9le pa"t93 list election has at least fou" in-iolable pa"a:ete"s as clea"l9 state/ in *ete"ans. 'o" eas9 "efe"ence# these a"e7 'i"st# the t>ent9 pe"cent allocation 8 the co:bine/ nu:be" of all pa"t93list con."ess:en shall not e2cee/ t>ent9 pe"cent of the total :e:be"ship of the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es# inclu/in. those electe/ un/e" the pa"t9 listI Secon/# the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ 8 onl9 those pa"ties .a"ne"in. a :ini:u: of t>o pe"cent of the total -ali/ -otes cast fo" the pa"t93list s9ste: a"e BEualifie/B to ha-e a seat in the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-esI Thi"/# the th"ee3seat li:it 8 each Eualifie/ pa"t9# "e.a"/less of the nu:be" of -otes it actuall9 obtaine/# is entitle/ to a :a2i:u: of th"ee seatsI that is# one BEualif9in.B an/ t>o a//itional seatsI 'ou"th# p"opo"tional "ep"esentation8 the a//itional seats >hich a Eualifie/ pa"t9 is entitle/ to shall be co:pute/ Bin p"opo"tion to thei" total nu:be" of -otes.B1 1o>e-e"# because the fo":ula in *ete"ans has fla>s in its :athe:atical inte"p"etation of the te": Bp"opo"tional "ep"esentation#B this Cou"t is co:pelle/ to "e-isit the fo":ula fo" the allocation of a//itional seats to pa"t93list o".ani?ations. Nu:be" of Pa"t93(ist Rep"esentati-es7 The 'o":ula Man/ate/ b9 the Constitution 7

Section 4# A"ticle *& of the Constitution p"o-i/es7 Section 4. +1, The 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es shall be co:pose/ of not :o"e than t>o hun/"e/ an/ fift9 :e:be"s# unless othe">ise fi2e/ b9 la># >ho shall be electe/ f"o: le.islati-e /ist"icts appo"tione/ a:on. the p"o-inces# cities# an/ the Met"opolitan Manila a"ea in acco"/ance >ith the nu:be" of thei" "especti-e inhabitants# an/ on the basis of a unifo": an/ p"o."essi-e "atio# an/ those >ho# as p"o-i/e/ b9 la># shall be electe/ th"ou.h a pa"t93list s9ste: of "e.iste"e/ national# "e.ional# an/ secto"al pa"ties o" o".ani?ations. +!, The pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es shall constitute t>ent9 pe" centu: of the total nu:be" of "ep"esentati-es inclu/in. those un/e" the pa"t93list. 'o" th"ee consecuti-e te":s afte" the "atification of this Constitution# one3half of the seats allocate/ to pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es shall be fille/# as p"o-i/e/ b9 la># b9 selection o" election f"o: the labo"# peasant# u"ban poo"# in/i.enous cultu"al co::unities# >o:en# 9outh# an/ such othe" secto"s as :a9 be p"o-i/e/ b9 la># e2cept the "eli.ious secto". The fi"st pa"a."aph of Section 11 of R.A. No. 7 <1 "ea/s7 Section 11. Nu:be" of Pa"t93(ist Rep"esentati-es. 8 The pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es shall constitute t>ent9 pe" centu: +!$L, of the total nu:be" of the :e:be"s of the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es inclu/in. those un/e" the pa"t93list. 222 Section 4+1,# A"ticle *& of the Constitution states that the B1ouse of Rep"esentati-es shall be co:pose/ of not :o"e than t>o hun/"e/ an/ fift9 :e:be"s# unless othe">ise fi2e/ b9 la>.B The 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es shall be co:pose/ of /ist"ict "ep"esentati-es an/ pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es. The Constitution allo>s the le.islatu"e to :o/if9 the nu:be" of the :e:be"s of the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es.1a--phi1.?>Q Section 4+!,# A"ticle *& of the Constitution# on the othe" han/# states the "atio of pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es to the total nu:be" of "ep"esentati-es. 5e co:pute the nu:be" of seats a-ailable to pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es f"o: the nu:be" of le.islati-e /ist"icts. On this point# >e /o not /e-iate f"o: the fi"st fo":ula in *ete"ans# thus7 Nu:be" of seats a-ailable to le.islati-e /ist"icts 2 .!$ .H$ N Nu:be" of seats a-ailable to pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es

This fo":ula allo>s fo" the co""espon/in. inc"ease in the nu:be" of seats a-ailable fo" pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es >hene-e" a le.islati-e /ist"ict is c"eate/ b9 la>. Since the 1<th Con."ess of the Philippines has !!$ /ist"ict "ep"esentati-es# the"e a"e 44 seats a-ailable to pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es. !!$ .H$ 2 .!$ N 44

Afte" p"esc"ibin. the "atio of the nu:be" of pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es to the total nu:be" of "ep"esentati-es# the Constitution left the :anne" of allocatin. the seats a-ailable to pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es to the >is/o: of the le.islatu"e. Allocation of Seats fo" Pa"t93(ist Rep"esentati-es7 The Statuto"9 (i:its P"esente/ b9 the T>o Pe"cent Th"eshol/ an/ the Th"ee3Seat Cap All pa"ties a."ee on the fo":ula to /ete":ine the :a2i:u: nu:be" of seats "ese"-e/ un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste:# as >ell as on the fo":ula to /ete":ine the .ua"antee/ seats to pa"t93list can/i/ates .a"ne"in. at least t>o3pe"cent of the total pa"t93list -otes. 1o>e-e"# the"e a"e nu:e"ous inte"p"etations of the p"o-isions of R.A. No. 7 <1 on the allocation of Ba//itional seatsB un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste:. *ete"ans p"o/uce/ the 'i"st Pa"t9 Rule#!$ an/ 6ustice *icente *. Men/o?a=s /issent in *ete"ans p"esente/ Ge":an9=s Nie:e9e" fo":ula!1 as an alte"nati-e. The Constitution left to Con."ess the /ete":ination of the :anne" of allocatin. the seats fo" pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es. Con."ess enacte/ R.A. No. 7 <1# pa"a."aphs +a, an/ +b, of Section 11 an/ Section 1! of >hich p"o-i/e7 Section 11. Nu:be" of Pa"t93(ist Rep"esentati-es. 8 2 2 2 &n /ete":inin. the allocation of seats fo" the secon/ -ote#!! the follo>in. p"oce/u"e shall be obse"-e/7 8

+a, The pa"ties# o".ani?ations# an/ coalitions shall be "anAe/ f"o: the hi.hest to the lo>est base/ on the nu:be" of -otes the9 .a"ne"e/ /u"in. the elections. +b, The pa"ties# o".ani?ations# an/ coalitions "ecei-in. at least t>o pe"cent +!L, of the total -otes cast fo" the pa"t93list s9ste: shall be entitle/ to one seat each7 P"o-i/e/# That those .a"ne"in. :o"e than t>o pe"cent +!L, of the -otes shall be entitle/ to a//itional seats in p"opo"tion to thei" total nu:be" of -otes7 P"o-i/e/# finall9# That each pa"t9# o".ani?ation# o" coalition shall be entitle/ to not :o"e than th"ee +;, seats. Section 1!. P"oce/u"e in Allocatin. Seats fo" Pa"t93(ist Rep"esentati-es. 8 The COME(EC shall tall9 all the -otes fo" the pa"ties# o".ani?ations# o" coalitions on a nation>i/e basis# "anA the: acco"/in. to the nu:be" of -otes "ecei-e/ an/ allocate pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es p"opo"tionatel9 acco"/in. to the pe"centa.e of -otes obtaine/ b9 each pa"t9# o".ani?ation# o" coalition as a.ainst the total nation>i/e -otes cast fo" the pa"t93list s9ste:. +E:phasis supplie/, &n G.R. No. 17 !71# BANAT p"esents t>o inte"p"etations th"ou.h th"ee fo":ulas to allocate pa"t93list "ep"esentati-e seats. The fi"st inte"p"etation alle.e/l9 ha":oni?es the p"o-isions of Section 11+b, on the !L "eEui"e:ent >ith Section 1! of R.A. No. 7 <1. BANAT /esc"ibe/ this p"oce/u"e as follo>s7 +a, The pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es shall constitute t>ent9 pe"cent +!$L, of the total Me:be"s of the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es inclu/in. those f"o: the pa"t93list ."oups as p"esc"ibe/ b9 Section 4# A"ticle *& of the Constitution# Section 11 +1st pa"., of RA 7 <1 an/ Co:elec Resolution No. !H<7 /ate/ !4 6une 1 @. Since the"e a"e !!$ )ist"ict Rep"esentati-es in the 1<th Con."ess# the"e shall be 44 Pa"t93(ist Rep"esentati-es. All seats shall ha-e to be p"oclai:e/. +b, All pa"t93list ."oups shall initiall9 be allotte/ one +1, seat fo" e-e"9 t>o pe" centu: +!L, of the total pa"t93list -otes the9 obtaine/I p"o-i/e/# that no pa"t93list ."oups shall ha-e :o"e than th"ee +;, seats +Section 11# RA 7 <1,.

+c, The "e:ainin. seats shall# afte" /e/uctin. the seats obtaine/ b9 the pa"t93list ."oups un/e" the i::e/iatel9 p"ece/in. pa"a."aph an/ afte" /e/uctin. f"o: thei" total the -otes co""espon/in. to those seats# the "e:ainin. seats shall be allotte/ p"opo"tionatel9 to all the pa"t93list ."oups >hich ha-e not secu"e/ the :a2i:u: th"ee +;, seats un/e" the !L th"eshol/ "ule# in acco"/ance >ith Section 1! of RA 7 <1.!; 'o"t93fou" +<<, pa"t93list seats >ill be a>a"/e/ un/e" BANAT=s fi"st inte"p"etation. The secon/ inte"p"etation p"esente/ b9 BANAT assu:es that the !L -ote "eEui"e:ent is /ecla"e/ unconstitutional# an/ appo"tions the seats fo" pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es b9 follo>in. Section 1! of R.A. No. 7 <1. BANAT states that the COME(EC7 +a, shall tall9 all the -otes fo" the pa"ties# o".ani?ations# o" coalitions on a nation>i/e basisI +b, "anA the: acco"/in. to the nu:be" of -otes "ecei-e/I an/# +c, allocate pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es p"opo"tionatel9 acco"/in. to the pe"centa.e of -otes obtaine/ b9 each pa"t9# o".ani?ation o" coalition as a.ainst the total nation>i/e -otes cast fo" the pa"t93list s9ste:.!< BANAT use/ t>o fo":ulas to obtain the sa:e "esults7 one is base/ on the p"opo"tional pe"centa.e of the -otes "ecei-e/ b9 each pa"t9 as a.ainst the total nation>i/e pa"t93list -otes# an/ the othe" is Bb9 :aAin. the -otes of a pa"t93list >ith a :e/ian pe"centa.e of -otes as the /i-iso" in co:putin. the allocation of seats.B!4 Thi"t93fou" +;<, pa"t93list seats >ill be a>a"/e/ un/e" BANAT=s secon/ inte"p"etation. &n G.R. No. 17 ! 4# Ba9an Muna# Abono# an/ A Teache" c"itici?e both the COME(EC=s o"i.inal !3<3@ fo":ula an/ the *ete"ans fo":ula fo" s9ste:aticall9 p"e-entin. all the pa"t93list seats f"o: bein. fille/ up. The9 clai: that both fo":ulas /o not facto" in the total nu:be" of seats allote/ fo" the enti"e Pa"t93(ist S9ste:. Ba9an Muna# Abono# an/ A Teache" "eJect the th"ee3seat cap# but accept the !L th"eshol/. Afte" /ete":inin. the Eualifie/ pa"ties# a secon/ pe"centa.e is .ene"ate/ b9 /i-i/in. the -otes of a Eualifie/ pa"t9 b9 the total -otes of all Eualifie/ pa"ties onl9. The nu:be" of seats allocate/ to a Eualifie/ pa"t9 is co:pute/ b9 :ultipl9in. the total 9

pa"t93list seats a-ailable >ith the secon/ pe"centa.e. The"e >ill be a fi"st "oun/ of seat allocation# li:ite/ to usin. the >hole inte.e"s as the eEui-alent of the nu:be" of seats allocate/ to the conce"ne/ pa"t93list. Afte" all the Eualifie/ pa"ties a"e .i-en thei" seats# a secon/ "oun/ of seat allocation is con/ucte/. The f"actions# o" "e:ain/e"s# f"o: the >hole inte.e"s a"e "anAe/ f"o: hi.hest to lo>est an/ the "e:ainin. seats on the basis of this "anAin. a"e allocate/ until all the seats a"e fille/ up.!@ 5e e2a:ine >hat R.A. No. 7 <1 p"esc"ibes to allocate seats fo" pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es. Section 11+a, of R.A. No. 7 <1 p"esc"ibes the "anAin. of the pa"ticipatin. pa"ties f"o: the hi.hest to the lo>est base/ on the nu:be" of -otes the9 .a"ne"e/ /u"in. the elections. Table 1. RanAin. of the pa"ticipatin. pa"ties f"o: the hi.hest to the lo>est base/ on the nu:be" of -otes .a"ne"e/ /u"in. the elections.!7 RanA 1 ! ; < 4 @ 7 H 1$ 11 1! 1; 1< 14 1@ 17 1H 1 !$ !1 Pa"t9 *otes Ga"ne"e/ RanA BU1A% 1#1@ #!;< BA%AN MUNA 7 #$; C&BAC 744#@H@ GABR&E(A @!1#171 APEC @1 #@47 A TEAC1ER < $#;7 AGBA%AN <@@#11! A(AGA) <!;#1< COOP3NATCCO <$ #HH; BUT&( <$ #1@$ BATAS ;H4#H1$ ARC ;7<#!HH ANAGPA5&S ;7$#!@1 ABONO ;; # $ AM&N ;;H#1H4 AGAP ;!H#7!< AN 5ARA% ;!1#4$; %ACAP ;1$#HH 'P6PM ;$$# !; UN&3MA) !<4#;H! ABS !;4#$H@ Pa"t9 <H < 4$ 41 4! 4; 4< 44 4@ 47 4H 4 @$ @1 @! @; @< @4 @@ @7 @H *otes Ga"ne"e/ GA(A1& HH#H@H APO& 7 #;H@ BP 7H#4<1 A1ONBA%AN 7H#<!< B&GG&S 77#;!7 PMAP 74#!$$ AGAP&N 7<#@H@ PBA 71#4<< GRECON @!#!!$ BTM @$# ; A SM&(E 4H#717 NE(''& 47#H7! AGSA 47#$1! BAGO 44#H<@ BAN)&(A 4<#741 A1ON 4<#4!! ASA1AN MO 41#7!! AGB&AGF 4$#H;7 SP& 4$#<7H BA1AN)& <@#@1! A)) <4#@!<

!! !; !< !4 !@ !7 !H ! ;$ ;1 ;! ;; ;< ;4 ;@ ;7 ;H ; <$ <1 <! <; << <4 <@ <7

GAGUSA GABATAAN ABA3AGO A(&' SEN&OR C&T&0ENS AT *'P ANA) BANAT ANG GASANGGA BANTA% ABAGA)A 13UTAG TUCP COCO'E) AG1AM ANAG ABANSEF P&NA% PM A*E SUARA ASSA(AM )&5A ANC SAN(AGAS ABC

!!H# !!H#@;7 !1H#H1H !17#H!! !1;#$4H 1 7#H7! 1 @#!@@ 1HH#4!1 177#$!H 17$#4;1 1@ #H$1 1@@#7<7 1@<# H$ 1@!#@<7 144# !$ 1<@#$;! 1<1#H17 1;$#;4@ 11 #$4< 11$#7@ 11$#7;! 11$#<<$ 1$7#$!1 #@;@ 7#;74 $#$4H

@ 7$ 71 7! 7; 7< 74 7@ 77 7H 7 H$ H1 H! H; H< H4 H@ H7 HH H $ 1 ! ;

AMANG <;#$@! ABA% PARAG <!#!H! BABAE GA ;@#41! SB ;<#H;4 ASAP ;<#$ H PEP ;;# ;H ABA &(ONGGO ;;# $; *EN)ORS ;;#@ 1 A))3TR&BA( ;!#H @ A(MANA ;!#!44 AANGAT GA P&(&P&NO ! #1;$ AAPS !@#!71 1AP& !4#7H1 AA5AS !!# <@ SM !$#7<< AG 1@# 1@ AG&NG P&NO% 1@#7! APO 1@#<!1 B&%A%ANG BUG&) 1@#!<1 ATS 1<#1@1 UM)6 #<<4 BUG(O) '&(&P&NA H# 14 (%PA) H#<71 AA3GASOS%O H#<$@ GASAP& @#!!1

TOTA(14# 4$# $$ The fi"st clause of Section 11+b, of R.A. No. 7 <1 states that Bpa"ties# o".ani?ations# an/ coalitions "ecei-in. at least t>o pe"cent +!L, of the total -otes cast fo" the pa"t93list s9ste: shall be entitle/ to one seat each.B This clause .ua"antees a seat to the t>o3pe"cente"s. &n Table ! belo># >e use the fi"st !$ pa"t93list can/i/ates fo" illust"ation pu"poses. The pe"centa.e of -otes .a"ne"e/ b9 each pa"t9 is a""i-e/ at b9 /i-i/in. the nu:be" of -otes .a"ne"e/ b9 each pa"t9 b9 14# 4$# $$# the total nu:be" of -otes cast fo" all pa"t93list can/i/ates. Table !. The fi"st !$ pa"t93list can/i/ates an/ thei" "especti-e pe"centa.e of -otes .a"ne"e/ o-e" the total -otes fo" the pa"t93list.!H 10

RanA Pa"t9 *otes Ga"ne"e/ *otes Ga"ne"e/ o-e" Total *otes fo" Pa"t93(ist# in L Gua"antee/ Seat 1 BU1A% 1#1@ #!;< 7.;;L 1 ! BA%AN MUNA 7 #$; @.1<L 1 ; C&BAC 744#@H@ <.7<L 1 < GABR&E(A @!1#171 ;.H L 1 4 APEC @1 #@47 ;.HHL 1 @ A TEAC1ER < $#;7 ;.$7L 1 7 AGBA%AN <@@#11! !. !L 1 H A(AGA) <!;#1< !.@4L 1 COOP3NATCCO <$ #HH; !.47L 1 1$ BUT&( <$ #1@$ !.47L 1 11 BATAS! ;H4#H1$ !.<!L 1 1! ARC ;7<#!HH !.;4L 1 1; ANAGPA5&S ;7$#!@1 !.;!L 1 1< ABONO ;; # $ !.1;L 1 14 AM&N ;;H#1H4 !.1!L 1 1@ AGAP ;!H#7!< !.$@L 1 17 AN 5ARA% ;!1#4$; !.$!L 1 Total 17 1H 1 !$ %ACAP 'P6PM UN&3MA) ;1$#HH ;$$# !; !<4#;H! 1. 4L $ 1.H L $ 1.4<L $

5e "ule that# in co:putin. the allocation of a//itional seats# the continue/ ope"ation of the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ fo" the /ist"ibution of the a//itional seats as foun/ in the secon/ clause of Section 11+b, of R.A. No. 7 <1 is unconstitutional. This Cou"t fin/s that the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ :aAes it :athe:aticall9 i:possible to achie-e the :a2i:u: nu:be" of a-ailable pa"t9 list seats >hen the nu:be" of a-ailable pa"t9 list seats e2cee/s 4$. The continue/ ope"ation of the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ in the /ist"ibution of the a//itional seats f"ust"ates the attain:ent of the pe":issi-e ceilin. that !$L of the :e:be"s of the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es shall consist of pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es. To illust"ate7 The"e a"e 44 a-ailable pa"t93list seats. Suppose the"e a"e 4$ :illion -otes cast fo" the 1$$ pa"ticipants in the pa"t9 list elections. A pa"t9 that has t>o pe"cent of the -otes cast# o" one :illion -otes# .ets a .ua"antee/ seat. (et us fu"the" assu:e that the fi"st 4$ pa"ties all .et one :illion -otes. Onl9 4$ pa"ties .et a seat /espite the a-ailabilit9 of 44 seats. Because of the ope"ation of the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/# this situation >ill "epeat itself e-en if >e inc"ease the a-ailable pa"t93list seats to @$ seats an/ e-en if >e inc"ease the -otes cast to 1$$ :illion. Thus# e-en if the :a2i:u: nu:be" of pa"ties .et t>o pe"cent of the -otes fo" e-e"9 pa"t9# it is al>a9s i:possible fo" the nu:be" of occupie/ pa"t93list seats to e2cee/ 4$ seats as lon. as the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ is p"esent. 5e the"efo"e st"iAe /o>n the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ onl9 in "elation to the /ist"ibution of the a//itional seats as foun/ in the secon/ clause of Section 11+b, of R.A. No. 7 <1. The t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ p"esents an un>a""ante/ obstacle to the full i:ple:entation of Section 4+!,# A"ticle *& of the Constitution an/ p"e-ents the attain:ent of Bthe b"oa/est possible "ep"esentation of pa"t9# secto"al o" ."oup inte"ests in the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es.B;$ &n /ete":inin. the allocation of seats fo" pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es un/e" Section 11 of R.A. No. 7 <1# the follo>in. p"oce/u"e shall be obse"-e/7 1. The pa"ties# o".ani?ations# an/ coalitions shall be "anAe/ f"o: the hi.hest to the lo>est base/ on the nu:be" of -otes the9 .a"ne"e/ /u"in. the elections.

'"o: Table ! abo-e# >e see that onl9 17 pa"t93list can/i/ates "ecei-e/ at least !L f"o: the total nu:be" of -otes cast fo" pa"t93list can/i/ates. The 17 Eualifie/ pa"t93list can/i/ates# o" the t>o3pe"cente"s# a"e the pa"t93list can/i/ates that a"e Bentitle/ to one seat each#B o" the .ua"antee/ seat. &n this fi"st "oun/ of seat allocation# >e /ist"ibute/ 17 .ua"antee/ seats. The secon/ clause of Section 11+b, of R.A. No. 7 <1 p"o-i/es that Bthose .a"ne"in. :o"e than t>o pe"cent +!L, of the -otes shall be entitle/ to a//itional seats in p"opo"tion to thei" total nu:be" of -otes.B This is >he"e petitione"s= an/ inte"-eno"s= p"oble: >ith the fo":ula in *ete"ans lies. *ete"ans inte"p"ets the clause Bin p"opo"tion to thei" total nu:be" of -otesB to be in p"opo"tion to the -otes of the fi"st pa"t9. This inte"p"etation is cont"a"9 to the e2p"ess lan.ua.e of R.A. No. 7 <1.

11

!. The pa"ties# o".ani?ations# an/ coalitions "ecei-in. at least t>o pe"cent +!L, of the total -otes cast fo" the pa"t93list s9ste: shall be entitle/ to one .ua"antee/ seat each. ;. Those .a"ne"in. sufficient nu:be" of -otes# acco"/in. to the "anAin. in pa"a."aph 1# shall be entitle/ to a//itional seats in p"opo"tion to thei" total nu:be" of -otes until all the a//itional seats a"e allocate/. <. Each pa"t9# o".ani?ation# o" coalition shall be entitle/ to not :o"e than th"ee +;, seats. &n co:putin. the a//itional seats# the .ua"antee/ seats shall no lon.e" be inclu/e/ because the9 ha-e al"ea/9 been allocate/# at one seat each# to e-e"9 t>o3pe"cente". Thus# the "e:ainin. a-ailable seats fo" allocation as Ba//itional seatsB a"e the :a2i:u: seats "ese"-e/ un/e" the Pa"t9 (ist S9ste: less the .ua"antee/ seats. '"actional seats a"e /is"e.a"/e/ in the absence of a p"o-ision in R.A. No. 7 <1 allo>in. fo" a "oun/in. off of f"actional seats. &n /ecla"in. the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ unconstitutional# >e /o not li:it ou" allocation of a//itional seats in Table ; belo> to the t>o3pe"cente"s. The pe"centa.e of -otes .a"ne"e/ b9 each pa"t93list can/i/ate is a""i-e/ at b9 /i-i/in. the nu:be" of -otes .a"ne"e/ b9 each pa"t9 b9 14# 4$# $$# the total nu:be" of -otes cast fo" pa"t93list can/i/ates. The"e a"e t>o steps in the secon/ "oun/ of seat allocation. 'i"st# the pe"centa.e is :ultiplie/ b9 the "e:ainin. a-ailable seats# ;H# >hich is the /iffe"ence bet>een the 44 :a2i:u: seats "ese"-e/ un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste: an/ the 17 .ua"antee/ seats of the t>o3pe"cente"s. The >hole inte.e" of the p"o/uct of the pe"centa.e an/ of the "e:ainin. a-ailable seats co""espon/s to a pa"t9=s sha"e in the "e:ainin. a-ailable seats. Secon/# >e assi.n one pa"t93list seat to each of the pa"ties ne2t in "anA until all a-ailable seats a"e co:pletel9 /ist"ibute/. 5e /ist"ibute/ all of the "e:ainin. ;H seats in the secon/ "oun/ of seat allocation. 'inall9# >e appl9 the th"ee3seat cap to /ete":ine the nu:be" of seats each Eualifie/ pa"t93list can/i/ate is entitle/. Thus7 Table ;. )ist"ibution of A-ailable Pa"t93(ist Seats RanA Pa"t9 *otes Ga"ne"e/ Total *otes fo" Pa"t9 (ist# in L *otes Ga"ne"e/ o-e"

+A, Gua"antee/ Seat +'i"st Roun/, +B, A//itional Seats +Secon/ Roun/, +C, +B, plus +C,# in >hole inte.e"s +), Appl9in. the th"ee seat cap +E, 1 BU1A% 1#1@ #!;< 7.;;L ! BA%AN MUNA 7 #$; N.A. ; C&BAC 744#@H@ <.7<L 1 < GABR&E(A @!1#171 ;.H L 4 APEC @1 #@47 ;.HHL 1 @ A Teache" < $#;7 ;.$7L 7 AGBA%AN <@@#11! !. !L H A(AGA) <!;#1< !.@4L ;1 COOP3NATCCO <$ #HH; N.A. 1$ BUT&( <$ #1@$ !.47L 1 11 BATAS ;H4#H1$ !.<!L 1! ARC ;7<#!HH !.;4L 1 1; ANAGPA5&S ;7$#!@1 !.;!L 1< ABONO ;; # $ !.1;L 14 AM&N ;;H#1H4 !.1!L 1 1@ AGAP ;!H#7!< !.$@L 1 17 AN 5ARA% ;!1#4$; !.$!L 1H %ACAP ;1$#HH 1. 4L 1 'P6PM ;$$# !; 1.H L !$ UN&3MA) !<4#;H! 1.4<L !1 ABS !;4#$H@ 1.<7L $ !! GAGUSA !!H# 1.<<L !; GABATAAN !!H#@;7 1.<;L !< ABA3AGO !1H#H1H 1.;7L !4 A(&' !17#H!! 1.;7L $ !@ SEN&OR C&T&0ENS !1;#$4H N.A. !7 AT 1 7#H7! 1.!<L $ !H *'P 1 @#!@@ 1.!;L $ ! ANA) 1HH#4!1 1.1HL $

1 !.7 @.1<L 1 1.H$ 1 1.<H 1 1 1 !.47L 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 $ $ $ 1 $ $ $ 1 1.;<L 1 1 1 ! 1.<H ! 1.17 1.11 1.$1 1 ! 1 ! 1 1 ! ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 $ 1 1 1

; !.;; N.A. ! N.A. ! ! ! 1 N.A. ! N.A. ! ! N.A. N.A. ! 1 1 1 N.A. 1 1 1 N.A. 1 N.A. N.A. N.A.

N.A. ; N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. ! N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. 1

12

;$ ;1 ;! ;; ;< ;4 ;@ Total

BANAT 177#$!H 1.11L ANG GASANGGA 17$#4;1 N.A. BANTA% 1@ #H$1 1.$@L ABAGA)A 1@@#7<7 1.$4L 13UTAG 1@<# H$ 1.$;L TUCP 1@!#@<7 1.$!L $ COCO'E) 144# !$ $. HL

$ 1 1.$7L $ $ $ $ 1 $ 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 N.A. 1

N.A. 1 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.

Can the9 "un un/e" the pa"t9 list concept o" :ust the9 be un/e" the /ist"ict le.islation si/e of it onl9P MR. *&((ACORTA. &n "epl9 to that Eue"9# & thinA these pa"ties that the Co::issione" :entione/ can fiel/ can/i/ates fo" the Senate as >ell as fo" the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es. (iAe>ise# the9 can also fiel/ secto"al can/i/ates fo" the !$ pe"cent o" ;$ pe"cent# >hiche-e" is a/opte/# of the seats that >e a"e allocatin. un/e" the pa"t9 list s9ste:. MR. MONSO). &n othe" >o"/s# the Ch"istian )e:oc"ats can fiel/ /ist"ict can/i/ates an/ can also pa"ticipate in the pa"t9 list s9ste:P

17 44 Appl9in. the p"oce/u"e of seat allocation as illust"ate/ in Table ; abo-e# the"e a"e 44 pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es f"o: the ;@ >innin. pa"t93list o".ani?ations. All 44 a-ailable pa"t93list seats a"e fille/. The a//itional seats allocate/ to the pa"ties >ith sufficient nu:be" of -otes fo" one >hole seat# in no case to e2cee/ a total of th"ee seats fo" each pa"t9# a"e sho>n in colu:n +),. Pa"ticipation of MaJo" Political Pa"ties in Pa"t93(ist Elections The Constitutional Co::ission a/opte/ a :ulti3pa"t9 s9ste: that allo>e/ all political pa"ties to pa"ticipate in the pa"t93list elections. The /elibe"ations of the Constitutional Co::ission clea"l9 bea" this out# thus7 MR. MONSO). Ma/a: P"esi/ent# & Just >ant to sa9 that >e su..este/ o" p"opose/ the pa"t9 list s9ste: because >e >ante/ to open up the political s9ste: to a plu"alistic societ9 th"ou.h a :ultipa"t9 s9ste:. 2 2 2 5e a"e fo" openin. up the s9ste:# an/ >e >oul/ liAe -e"9 :uch fo" the secto"s to be the"e. That is >h9 one of the >a9s to /o that is to put a ceilin. on the nu:be" of "ep"esentati-es f"o: an9 sin.le pa"t9 that can sit >ithin the 4$ allocate/ un/e" the pa"t9 list s9ste:. 2 2 2. 222 MR. MONSO). Ma/a: P"esi/ent# the can/i/ac9 fo" the 1 H seats is not li:ite/ to political pa"ties. M9 Euestion is this7 A"e >e .oin. to classif9 fo" e2a:ple Ch"istian )e:oc"ats an/ Social )e:oc"ats as political pa"tiesP

MR. *&((ACORTA. 5h9 notP 5hen the9 co:e to the pa"t9 list s9ste:# the9 >ill be fiel/in. onl9 secto"al can/i/ates. MR. MONSO). Ma9 & be cla"ifie/ on thatP Can UN&)O pa"ticipate in the pa"t9 list s9ste:P MR. *&((ACORTA. %es# >h9 notP 'o" as lon. as the9 fiel/ can/i/ates >ho co:e f"o: the /iffe"ent :a".inali?e/ secto"s that >e shall /esi.nate in this Constitution. MR. MONSO). Suppose Senato" TaRa/a >ants to "un un/e" BA%AN ."oup an/ sa9s that he "ep"esents the fa":e"s# >oul/ he Eualif9P MR. *&((ACORTA. No# Senato" TaRa/a >oul/ not Eualif9. MR. MONSO). But UN&)O can fiel/ can/i/ates un/e" the pa"t9 list s9ste: an/ sa9 6uan /ela C"u? is a fa":e". 5ho >oul/ pass on >hethe" he is a fa":e" o" notP MR. TA)EO. Ga9 Co::issione" Monso/# .usto Ao la:an. lina>in ito. Political pa"ties# pa"ticula"l9 :ino"it9 political pa"ties# a"e not p"ohibite/ to pa"ticipate in the pa"t9 list election if the9 can p"o-e that the9 a"e also o".ani?e/ alon. secto"al lines. MR. MONSO). 5hat the Co::issione" is sa9in. is that all political pa"ties can pa"ticipate because it is p"ecisel9 the contention of political pa"ties that the9 "ep"esent the b"oa/ base of citi?ens an/ that all secto"s a"e "ep"esente/ in the:. 5oul/ the Co::issione" a."eeP 13

MR. TA)EO. An. punto la:an. na:in# pa. pina9a.an :o an. UN&)O na isan. political pa"t9# it >ill /o:inate the pa"t9 list at :a>a>alan. sa9sa9 /in 9un. secto". (ala:unin :is:o n. political pa"ties an. pa"t9 list s9ste:. Gusto Ao la:an. bi.9an n. /iin an. B"ese"-e.B 1in/i ito "ese"-e seat sa :a".inali?e/ secto"s. Gun. titin.nan natin iton. 1 H seats# "ese"-e/ /in ito sa political pa"ties. MR. MONSO). 1in/i po "ese"-e/ i9on Aasi an9bo/9 can "un the"e. But :9 Euestion to Co::issione" *illaco"ta an/ p"obabl9 also to Co::issione" Ta/eo is that un/e" this s9ste:# >oul/ UN&)O be banne/ f"o: "unnin. un/e" the pa"t9 list s9ste:P MR. *&((ACORTA. No# as & sai/# UN&)O :a9 fiel/ secto"al can/i/ates. On that con/ition alone# UN&)O :a9 be allo>e/ to "e.iste" fo" the pa"t9 list s9ste:. MR. MONSO). Ma9 & inEui"e f"o: Co::issione" Ta/eo if he sha"es that ans>e"P MR. TA)EO. The sa:e. MR. *&((ACORTA. Pu>e/e po an. UN&)O# pe"o sa secto"al lines.

&t is un/e"stoo/ that the pa"ties >ill ente" in the "oll of the COME(EC the na:es of "ep"esentati-es of :ass o".ani?ations affiliate/ >ith the:. So that >e :a9# in ti:e# /e-elop this e2cellent s9ste: that the9 ha-e in Eu"ope >he"e labo" o".ani?ations an/ coope"ati-es# fo" e2a:ple# /ist"ibute the:sel-es eithe" in the Social )e:oc"atic Pa"t9 an/ the Ch"istian )e:oc"atic Pa"t9 in Ge":an9# an/ thei" -e"9 p"esence the"e has a t"ansfo":in. effect upon the philosophies an/ the lea/e"ship of those pa"ties. &t is also a fact >ell Ano>n to all that in the Unite/ States# the A'(3C&O al>a9s -ote >ith the )e:oc"atic Pa"t9. But the business:en# :ost of the:# al>a9s -ote >ith the Republican Pa"t9# :eanin. that the"e is no "eason at all >h9 political pa"ties an/ :ass o".ani?ations shoul/ not co:bine# "eenfo"ce# influence an/ inte"act >ith each othe" so that the -e"9 obJecti-es that >e set in this Constitution fo" secto"al "ep"esentation a"e achie-e/ in a >i/e"# :o"e lastin.# an/ :o"e institutionali?e/ >a9. The"efo"e# & suppo"t this CMonso/3*illaco"taD a:en/:ent. &t installs secto"al "ep"esentation as a constitutional .ift# but at the sa:e ti:e# it challen.es the secto" to "ise to the :aJest9 of bein. electe/ "ep"esentati-es late" on th"ou.h a pa"t9 list s9ste:I an/ e-en be9on/ that# to beco:e actual political pa"ties capable of contestin. political po>e" in the >i/e" constitutional a"ena fo" :aJo" political pa"ties. 2 2 2 ;! +E:phasis supplie/,

2222 MR. OP(E. 2 2 2 &n :9 opinion# this >ill also c"eate the sti:ulus fo" political pa"ties an/ :ass o".ani?ations to seeA co::on ."oun/. 'o" e2a:ple# >e ha-e the P)P3(aban an/ the UN&)O. & see no "eason >h9 the9 shoul/ not be able to :aAe co::on .oals >ith :ass o".ani?ations so that the -e"9 lea/e"ship of these pa"ties can be t"ansfo":e/ th"ou.h the pa"ticipation of :ass o".ani?ations. An/ if this is t"ue of the a/:inist"ation pa"ties# this >ill be t"ue of othe"s liAe the Pa"ti/o n. Ba9an >hich is no> bein. fo":e/. The"e is no Euestion that the9 >ill be att"acti-e to :an9 :ass o".ani?ations. &n the opposition pa"ties to >hich >e belon.# the"e >ill be a sti:ulus fo" us to contact :ass o".ani?ations so that >ith thei" pa"ticipation# the policies of such pa"ties can be "a/icall9 t"ansfo":e/ because this a:en/:ent >ill c"eate con/itions that >ill challen.e both the :ass o".ani?ations an/ the political pa"ties to co:e to.ethe". An/ the pa"t9 list s9ste: is ce"tainl9 a-ailable# althou.h it is open to all the pa"ties. R.A. No. 7 <1 p"o-i/e/ the /etails fo" the concepts put fo">a"/ b9 the Constitutional Co::ission. Section ; of R.A. No. 7 <1 "ea/s7 )efinition of Te":s. +a, The pa"t93list s9ste: is a :echanis: of p"opo"tional "ep"esentation in the election of "ep"esentati-es to the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es f"o: national# "e.ional an/ secto"al pa"ties o" o".ani?ations o" coalitions the"eof "e.iste"e/ >ith the Co::ission on Elections +COME(EC,. Co:ponent pa"ties o" o".ani?ations of a coalition :a9 pa"ticipate in/epen/entl9 p"o-i/e/ the coalition of >hich the9 fo": pa"t /oes not pa"ticipate in the pa"t93list s9ste:. +b, A pa"t9 :eans eithe" a political pa"t9 o" a secto"al pa"t9 o" a coalition of pa"ties.

14

+c, A political pa"t9 "efe"s to an o".ani?e/ ."oup of citi?ens a/-ocatin. an i/eolo.9 o" platfo":# p"inciples an/ policies fo" the .ene"al con/uct of .o-e"n:ent an/ >hich# as the :ost i::e/iate :eans of secu"in. thei" a/option# "e.ula"l9 no:inates an/ suppo"ts ce"tain of its lea/e"s an/ :e:be"s as can/i/ates fo" public office. &t is a national pa"t9 >hen its constituenc9 is sp"ea/ o-e" the .eo."aphical te""ito"9 of at least a :aJo"it9 of the "e.ions. &t is a "e.ional pa"t9 >hen its constituenc9 is sp"ea/ o-e" the .eo."aphical te""ito"9 of at least a :aJo"it9 of the cities an/ p"o-inces co:p"isin. the "e.ion. +/, A secto"al pa"t9 "efe"s to an o".ani?e/ ."oup of citi?ens belon.in. to an9 of the secto"s enu:e"ate/ in Section 4 he"eof >hose p"incipal a/-ocac9 pe"tains to the special inte"ests an/ conce"ns of thei" secto"# +e, A secto"al o".ani?ation "efe"s to a ."oup of citi?ens o" a coalition of ."oups of citi?ens >ho sha"e si:ila" ph9sical att"ibutes o" cha"acte"istics# e:plo9:ent# inte"ests o" conce"ns. +f, A coalition "efe"s to an a.."upation of /ul9 "e.iste"e/ national# "e.ional# secto"al pa"ties o" o".ani?ations fo" political an/Ko" election pu"poses. Con."ess# in enactin. R.A. No. 7 <1# put the th"ee3seat cap to p"e-ent an9 pa"t9 f"o: /o:inatin. the pa"t93list elections. Neithe" the Constitution no" R.A. No. 7 <1 p"ohibits :aJo" political pa"ties f"o: pa"ticipatin. in the pa"t93list s9ste:. On the cont"a"9# the f"a:e"s of the Constitution clea"l9 inten/e/ the :aJo" political pa"ties to pa"ticipate in pa"t93list elections th"ou.h thei" secto"al >in.s. &n fact# the :e:be"s of the Constitutional Co::ission -ote/ /o>n# 1 3!!# an9 pe":anent secto"al seats# an/ in the alte"nati-e the "ese"-ation of the pa"t93list s9ste: to the secto"al ."oups.;; &n /efinin. a Bpa"t9B that pa"ticipates in pa"t93list elections as eithe" Ba political pa"t9 o" a secto"al pa"t9#B R.A. No. 7 <1 also clea"l9 inten/e/ that :aJo" political pa"ties >ill pa"ticipate in the pa"t93list elections. E2clu/in. the :aJo" political pa"ties in pa"t93list elections is :anifestl9 a.ainst the Constitution# the intent of the Constitutional Co::ission# an/ R.A. No. 7 <1. This Cou"t cannot en.a.e in socio3 political en.inee"in. an/ Ju/iciall9 le.islate the e2clusion of :aJo" political pa"ties f"o: the pa"t93list elections in patent -iolation of the Constitution an/ the la>.

Rea/ to.ethe"# R.A. No. 7 <1 an/ the /elibe"ations of the Constitutional Co::ission state that :aJo" political pa"ties a"e allo>e/ to establish# o" fo": coalitions >ith# secto"al o".ani?ations fo" electo"al o" political pu"poses. The"e shoul/ not be a p"oble: if# fo" e2a:ple# the (ibe"al Pa"t9 pa"ticipates in the pa"t93list election th"ou.h the Gabataan. (ibe"al n. Pilipinas +GA(&P&,# its secto"al 9outh >in.. The othe" :aJo" political pa"ties can thus o".ani?e# o" affiliate >ith# thei" chosen secto" o" secto"s. To fu"the" illust"ate# the Nacionalista Pa"t9 can establish a fishe"folA >in. to pa"ticipate in the pa"t93list election# an/ this fishe"folA >in. can fiel/ its fishe"folA no:inees. GabaliAat n. Mala9an. Pilipino +GAMP&, can /o the sa:e fo" the u"ban poo". The Eualifications of pa"t93list no:inees a"e p"esc"ibe/ in Section No. 7 <17 of R.A.

Mualifications of Pa"t93(ist No:inees. 8 No pe"son shall be no:inate/ as pa"t93list "ep"esentati-e unless he is a natu"al bo"n citi?en of the Philippines# a "e.iste"e/ -ote"# a "esi/ent of the Philippines fo" a pe"io/ of not less than one +1, 9ea" i::e/iatel9 p"ece/in. the /a9 of the elections# able to "ea/ an/ >"ite# bona fi/e :e:be" of the pa"t9 o" o".ani?ation >hich he seeAs to "ep"esent fo" at least ninet9 + $, /a9s p"ece/in. the /a9 of the election# an/ is at least t>ent93fi-e +!4, 9ea"s of a.e on the /a9 of the election. &n case of a no:inee of the 9outh secto"# he :ust at least be t>ent93fi-e +!4, but not :o"e than thi"t9 +;$, 9ea"s of a.e on the /a9 of the election. An9 9outh secto"al "ep"esentati-e >ho attains the a.e of thi"t9 +;$, /u"in. his te": shall be allo>e/ to continue until the e2pi"ation of his te":. Un/e" Section of R.A. No. 7 <1# it is not necessa"9 that the pa"t93list o".ani?ation=s no:inee B>allo> in po-e"t9# /estitution an/ infi":it9B;< as the"e is no financial status "eEui"e/ in the la>. &t is enou.h that the no:inee of the secto"al pa"t9Ko".ani?ationKcoalition belon.s to the :a".inali?e/ an/ un/e""ep"esente/ secto"s#;4 that is# if the no:inee "ep"esents the fishe"folA# he o" she :ust be a fishe"folA# o" if the no:inee "ep"esents the senio" citi?ens# he o" she :ust be a senio" citi?en. Neithe" the Constitution no" R.A. No. 7 <1 :an/ates the fillin.3up of the enti"e !$L allocation of pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es foun/ in the Constitution. 15

The Constitution# in pa"a."aph 1# Section 4 of A"ticle *&# left the /ete":ination of the nu:be" of the :e:be"s of the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es to Con."ess7 BThe 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es shall be co:pose/ of not :o"e than t>o hun/"e/ an/ fift9 :e:be"s# unless othe">ise fi2e/ b9 la># 2 2 2.B The !$L allocation of pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es is :e"el9 a ceilin.I pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es cannot be :o"e than !$L of the :e:be"s of the 1ouse of Rep"esentati-es. 1o>e-e"# >e cannot allo> the continue/ e2istence of a p"o-ision in the la> >hich >ill s9ste:aticall9 p"e-ent the constitutionall9 allocate/ !$L pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es f"o: bein. fille/. The th"ee3seat cap# as a li:itation to the nu:be" of seats that a Eualifie/ pa"t93list o".ani?ation :a9 occup9# "e:ains a -ali/ statuto"9 /e-ice that p"e-ents an9 pa"t9 f"o: /o:inatin. the pa"t93list elections. Seats fo" pa"t93list "ep"esentati-es shall thus be allocate/ in acco"/ance >ith the p"oce/u"e use/ in Table ; abo-e. 1o>e-e"# b9 a -ote of H37# the Cou"t /eci/e/ to continue the "ulin. in *ete"ans /isallo>in. :aJo" political pa"ties f"o: pa"ticipatin. in the pa"t93 list elections# /i"ectl9 o" in/i"ectl9. Those >ho -ote/ to continue /isallo>in. :aJo" political pa"ties f"o: the pa"t93list elections Joine/ Chief 6ustice Re9nato S. Puno in his sepa"ate opinion. On the fo":ula to allocate pa"t93 list seats# the Cou"t is unani:ous in concu""in. >ith this ponencia. 51ERE'ORE# >e PART&A((% GRANT the petition. 5e SET AS&)E the Resolution of the COME(EC /ate/ ; Au.ust !$$7 in NBC No. $73$<1 +P(, as >ell as the Resolution /ate/ 6ul9 !$$7 in NBC No. $73@$. 5e /ecla"e unconstitutional the t>o pe"cent th"eshol/ in the /ist"ibution of a//itional pa"t93list seats. The allocation of a//itional seats un/e" the Pa"t93(ist S9ste: shall be in acco"/ance >ith the p"oce/u"e use/ in Table ; of this )ecision. MaJo" political pa"ties a"e /isallo>e/ f"o: pa"ticipatin. in pa"t93 list elections. This )ecision is i::e/iatel9 e2ecuto"9. No p"onounce:ent as to costs. SO OR)ERE). ANTON&O T. CARP&O Associate 6ustice 5E CONCUR7 RE%NATO S. PUNO

Chief 6ustice (EONAR)O A. MU&SUMB&NG Associate 6ustice CONSUE(O %NARES3SANT&AGO Associate 6ustice MA. A(&C&A AUSTR&A3MART&NE0 Associate 6ustice RENATO C. CORONA Associate 6ustice CONC1&TA CARP&O MORA(ES Associate 6ustice )ANTE O. T&NGA Associate 6ustice M&N&TA *. C1&CO3NA0AR&O Associate 6ustice PRESB&TERO 6. *E(ASCO# 6R. Associate 6ustice ANTON&O E)UAR)O B. NAC1URA Associate 6ustice ARTURO ). BR&ON Associate 6ustice TERES&TA 6. (EONAR)O3)E CASTRO Associate 6ustice )&OS)A)O M. PERA(TA Associate 6ustice (UCAS P. BERSAM&N Associate 6ustice CERT&'&CAT&ON Pu"suant to Section 1;# A"ticle *&&& of the Constitution# & ce"tif9 that the conclusions in the abo-e )ecision ha/ been "eache/ in consultation befo"e the case >as assi.ne/ to the >"ite" of the opinion of the Cou"t. RE%NATO S. PUNO Chief 6ustice

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