By Ferdinand Patinio – PNA
MANILA — A total of 134 out of 181 partylist groups comprised the first part of the list of organizations for the May 2019 polls after the electronic raffle conducted at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday in Manila.
Topping the list is Bayan Muna, followed by Kabalikat ng Mamamayan; Magkasama sa Sakahan, Kaunlaran; Philippine Educators Alliance for Community Empowerment Party; National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, Inc.; OFW Family Club, Inc.; 1-United Transport Koalisyon; Kusug Tausug; Global Workers and Family Federation, Inc; Ang Nars, Inc.
The other 47 groups were not allowed to participate in the raffle as they failed to send representatives, but they will still be included in the official ballot and will be listed in the latter part of the list – alphabetical order.
According to Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, the Commission decided to adopt the raffle system in 2013 after noticing that organizations used strange names for them to be able to be at the top of the ballot.
Jimenez, however, clarified that being placed at the top portion of the ballots doesn’t mean one will get more votes.
“There is this theory going around. Some people say that it has been proven, some people dispute the claim that placement on the ballots actually has an effect on your chances of getting votes,” he said.
“I don’t know that its ever been enough to push you over the winning line but of course everyone wants every advantage that they can get,” the poll body official added.
Also comprising the top 20 are Barkadahan Para sa Bansa, Inc.; Anakpawis; Women and Child Crime Abuse Assistance; Parents Teachers Alliance; Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa; Ako OFW, Inc.; Dumper Philippines Taxi Drivers Association, Inc. Luntiang Pilipinas Partylist; Ako Bisdak-Bisayang Dako (AB-BD), Inc. and Academicians, Students and Educators Alliance, Inc.
At the bottom of the list is Kasosyo Producer-Consumer Exchange Association, Inc. whose first nominee is former Presidential Communications Operations Office assistant secretary Ester Margaux “Mocha” Uson.
