THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) pushes for gender equality by giving weight to women representation in the determination of the dominant and major political parties for the May 13, 2019 elections.
Political parties have until April 10 to file their petitions for accreditation for the determination of the dominant majority party, dominant minority party, 10 major national parties and two major local parties.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 27, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said petitions shall be filed with Comelec, through the Clerk of the Commission.
Under the new rules, Jimenez said political parties will get incentives if they "promote the integration of women in their leadership hierarchy, internal policy-making structures, and appointive and electoral nominating processes."
Political parties that will field at least three women out of 10 candidates, or 30 percent, will receive a weighted average of 10 points.
The highest weighted average of 40 points will still go to a political party that is able to field a complete slate of candidates from the municipal level up to the position of senator.
Other criteria include a party's organization structure, number of incumbent elective officials, and their established record in past elections.