The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered all party-list groups to disclose their candidates in all their campaign materials in the upcoming national elections.

Comelec Resolution No. 8695 promulgated last Nov. 10 says it is the right of the voting public to be informed of the representatives of the group that they are voting for as this will have a bearing on their choice.

“…However, insofar as it seeks to compel the Comelec to disclose or publish the names of the nominees of party-list groups, sectors or organizations accredited to participate in the May 14, 2007 elections, the same petition and the petition in G.R. No. 177314 are granted. Accordingly, the Comelec is hereby ordered to immediately disclose and release the names of the nominees of the party-list groups, sectors or organizations accredited to participate in the May 14, 2007 party-list elections. The Comelec is further directed to submit to the Court its compliance herewith within five days from notice hereof,” the resolution said.

Officials of Comelec said their decision is based on the May, 2007 Supreme Court decision that compelled the Comelec to disclose the names of the nominees in party-list groups that are seeking congressional seats in the elections.

The decision resulted from a petition filed by former Akbayan Rep. Loreta Ann Rosales asking the poll body to publicly disclose the nominees of party-list representatives prior to the May, 2007 mid-term polls.

Rosales was then questioning the accreditation of 11 party-list groups whom she charged as administration fronts.

Prior to the SC decision, party-list groups were prohibited to place the names of their candidates in  their campaign materials.

Meanwhile, as of Saturday, a total of 25 party-list organizations have already filed their manifestation of intent in the May, 2010 polls.

Earlier, the Comelec received 18 manifestations including the Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac), Biyayang Bukid ,and Anak Mindanao (Amin) Party-Lists.

Also included are 1-Utak, Buhay, Ako, An Waray, 1-Araw, Abakada, Aba Ilonggo, AKB, ABC, Agap, Ave and Abo Inc.

Seven new party-list groups were added during the weekend.

They are UCAP, Ang Tsinoy, Diwa, ABP Bicolnon, Bigkis, Aasenso Ka and ADP-Tribal.