FIFTY-SEVEN representatives from 47 party-list groups are now ready to assume their seats in the 18th Congress, which will open on July 22.
The 57 representatives have received their respective Certificates of Proclamation (COPs) from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Four others have yet to receive their COPs.
Based on the data released by the Comelec, a total of 51 party-list organizations won a total of 61seats in the 18th Congress.
Those who have received their COPs are the three nominees of both top vote-getter ACT-CIS and second running Bayan Muna.
Party-lists Ako Bicol; CIBAC; Ang Probinsyano; 1Pacman; Marino; and Probinsyano Ako each won two seats.
Groups with one nominee each who received their COPs are Magsasaka, APEC; Gabriela, An Waray, Coop-Natcco, Act Teachers, Philreca, Ako Bisaya, Tingog Sinirangan, Abono, Buhay, Kalinga, PBA, Alona, Recoboda, BH, Bahay, CWS, Abang Lingkod, A Teacher, BHW, Sagip, TUCP, Magdalo, GP, Manila Teachers, RAM, Ako Padayon, Kusug Tausug, Dumper PTDA, TGP, Patrol, Amin, Agap, LPGMA; OFW Family, Kabayan, Diwa, and Kabataan.
The representatives of Senior Citizens, Duterte Youth, Anakalusugan, and AAMBIS-OWA have yet to get their COPs. Each group gets one seat.
The Comelec en banc has decided to withhold the COP of Duterte Youth until the pending cases against its first nominee Ronald Cardema are resolved.
No information is available as to the reason why the other three party-lists have yet to get their COPs.
A COP allows winning congressmen to assume their posts at the House of Representatives. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)