* What are the qualifications of a party-list nominee?
[a] A natural-born citizen of the Philippines;
[b] A registered voter;
[c] A resident of the Philippines for a period of not less than one (1) year immediately preceding the election day;
[d] Able to read and write;
[e] A bona fide member of the party he seeks to represent for at least ninety (90) days preceding election day; and
[f] At least twenty-five (25) years of age on election day.
In case of the youth sector, he must be at least twenty-five (25) but not more than thirty (30) years of age on the day of the election. Any youth sectoral representative who reaches the age of thirty (30) during his term shall be allowed to continue in office until the expiration of his term.
* How many seats are available under the party-list system?
Twenty percent (20%) of the total membership in the House of Representatives is reserved for party-list representatives, or a ratio of one (1) party list representative for every four (4) legislative district representatives.
* How does the party-list system enhance the chances or marginalized or underrepresented parties of winning seats in the House of Representatives?
In the party-list system, no single party may hold more than three (3) party-list seats. Bigger parties which traditionally will dominate elections cannot corner all the seats and crowd out the smaller parties because of this maximum ceiling. This system shall pave the way for smaller parties to also win seats in the House of Representatives.
* If individual candidates are not qualified to participate, how will the organized groups be represented in the House of Representatives?
A party shall, not later than March 31, 2001 submit to the Clerk of the Commission, Commission on Elections a list of at least five (5) nominees to represent said party. Once the party obtains the required number of votes, the Comelec shall proclaim the party-list representatives according to their ranking in the list of nominees submitted to Comelec.
* In voting for representatives, how will a voter cast his vote?
Every voter shall be entitled to two (2) votes for the House of Representatives, as follows:
[a] First, a vote for a district representative; and
[b] Second, a vote for the party he wants represented in the House of Representatives.
2007 Elections
