Partido Ng Manggagawa vs Comelec

519 Phil. 644

EN BANC [ G.R. NO. 164702, March 15, 2006 ] PARTIDO NG MANGGAGAWA (PM AND B!TI" #ARMER$ PART% (B!TI", PETITIONER$, &$. T'E 'ON. COMMI$$ION ON E"ECTION$ (COME"EC, REPRE$ENTED B% IT$ 'ON. C'AIRMAN BENAMIN ABA"O$, $R., RE$PONDENT. DECI$ION P!NO, .)

The petition at bar involves the formula for computing the additional seats due, if any, for winners in partylist elections. The antecedents are undisputed. !everal partylist participants sent "ueries to the respondent #$%&'&# regarding the formula to be adopted in computing the additional seats for the partylist winners in the %ay 1(, )((4 elections. *n response, the respondent #ommission issued +esolution o. 6-5, /10 adopting the simplified formula of one additional seat per additional two percent of the total partylist votes. The resolution reads2 #onsidering that the simplified formula has long been the one adopted by the #ommission and is now the formula of choice of the !upreme #ourt in its latest resolution on the matter, *h+ C--// RE$O"&ED, a/ * h+r+ RE$O"&E$, * a3* *h+ /-+3 r-a  + a33*a /+a* +r a33*a *8 +rc+*  *h+ **a ar*9/* :*+/  *h+ rca-a*  *h+ ar*9/* 8+r/  *h+ c-; Ma 10, 2004 Na*a a3 "ca E+c*/. /)0 3emphasis supplied  *n finding that this simplified formula is the formula of choice of the !upreme #ourt, respondent #ommission "uoted the memorandum of #ommissioner %ehol . !adain, #ommissioner*n#harge for Party'ist concerns, vi2 7y way of review, following is a highlight of the legal discourse on the two /percent0 vote re"uirement for the partylist system and the corollary issue on additional seat allocation. !ection 113b and !ection 1) of +.8. 941 3Party'ist !ystem 8ct provide that the

parties, organiations, and coalitions receiving at least two percent 3): of the total votes cast for the partylist system shall be entitled to one seat each, provided that those garnering more than two percent 3): of the votes shall be entitled to additional seats in proportion proportion to their total number of votes ;;;. The #$%&'&# shall tally all the votes for the parties, organiations, or coalitions on a nationwide basis, ran< them according to the number of votes received and allocate partylist representatives proportionately according to the percentage of votes obtained by each party, organiation or coalition as against the total nationwide votes cast for the partylist system. These provisions of /the0 statute were transformed into the following formulas by the !upreme #ourt in i n =eterans >ederation >ederation Party vs. #$%&'&# 3?.+. os. 16-1, 16-6 @ 1695, $ctober 6, )(((. >or the partylist candidate garnering the highest number of votes, the following formula was adopted2  Number of votes of first party Proportion of votes of first ------------------------------------------------------------------- = party relative relative to to total total votes Total tal vot votes es for for par party ty-l -lis istt sys syste tem m for for the the par party ty-l -lis istt sys syste tem m

8nd for the additional seats of other parties who reached the re"uired two percent mar<, the following formula applies2

Additional seats for concerned =  party

 No. of votes of  concerned party ------------------------ x  No. of votes of first  party

 No. of additional seats allocated to the first party

The applicability of these formulas was reiterated in the Aune )5, )(( +esolution of  the !upreme #ourt in 8ng 7agong 7ayani$>B 'abor Party vs. #$%&'&#, et al. 3?.+. o. 145-9 and 7ayan %una vs. #$%&'&#, et al. 3?.+. o. 1461 penned by Austice 8rtemio Panganiban, wherein the #ourt declared that partylist 7CD8E was not entitled to an additional seat even if it garnered 4.46 /percent0 of the total partylist votes, contrary to 7CD8EFs contention which was based on the #$%&'&# simplified formula of one additional seat per an additional two percent of the total partylist votes. Dowever, on ovember 1(, )((, /0 the !upreme #ourt promulgated a +esolution in the same case, this time penned by #hief Austice Dilario Gavide, Ar., Ar., granting 7CD8EFs motion for reconsideration of the Aune )5, )(( +esolution, to wit2

*t is thus established in the +esolution of )5 Aune )(( that, li
Party-List roup

!otes Received

Percenta"e to Total !otes #ast $%&

'

(ayan )una $(A*AN )+NA&

',/,/0

1.2030



Association of Philippine 4lectric #ooperatives $AP4#&

1/2,110

5./210

/

Akbayan6 #iti7en8s Action Party $A9(A*AN6&

30,25/

:.53

2

(uhay ;ayaan *umabon" $(+;A*&

50,5/

0.025/

0

Anakpa
0/3,/1:

2./

:

#iti7en8s (attle A"ainst #orruption $#(A#&

210,'1/

/.312

5

abriela >omen8s Party $A(R4LA&

2:2,03:

/.:0'3

3

Partido n" )an""a"a
223,5

/.0

1

(util ?armers Party $(+TL&

21,01

/./52

'

Alliance of !olunteer 4ducators $A!4&

/2/,213

.5

''

Ala"ad $ALAA@&

/2,155

.:3

'

!eterans ?reedom Party $!?P&

/2,501

.:530

'/

#ooperative Natcco Net
5,10

.'13

'2

Anak )indanao $A)N&

:1,50

.'2

'0

An" Laban n" ndi"inon"

:1,/20

.''5

?ilipino $AL?& ':

An >aray $AN >ARA*&

:3,':2

.'51

7ased on the simplified formula, respondent #ommission issued +esolution o. 7# (4((4 /60 proclaiming the following parties, organiations and coalition as winners and their "ualified nominees as representatives to the Douse of +epresentatives2 78E8 %C8 378E8 %C8 I  seats 1. !aturnino #. $campo ). Teodoro 8. #asiJo, Ar. . Aoel ?. =irador 8!!$#*8T*$ $> PD*'*PP*& &'&#T+*# #$$P&+8T*=&! 38P&# I  seats 1. &dgar '. =alde ). &rnesto ?. Pablo . !unny +ose 8. %adamba 878E8K #*T*L&F! 8#T*$ P8+TE 3878E8K I  seats 1. 'oreta 8nn P. +osales ). %ario Aoyo 8guHa . 8na Theresa Dontiveros7ara"uel 7CD8E D8E88 EC%87$? 37CD8E I ) seats 1. +ene %. =elarde ). Dans #hristian %. !eJeres 88P8B*! 38P I ) seats 1. #rispin 7. 7eltran ). +afael =. %ariano #*T*L&F! 78TT'& 8?8*!T #$++CPT*$ 3#*78# I 1 seat &mmanuel Aoel A. =illanueva ?87+*&'8 B$%&F! P8+TE 3?87+*&'8 I 1 seat 'ia 'argoa%aa P8+T*G$ ? %8??8?8B8 3P% I 1 seat +enato 7. %agtubo

7CT*' >8+%&+! P8+TE 37CT*' I 1 seat 7enHamin 8. #ru 8''*8#& $> =$'CT&&+ &GC#8T$+! 38=& I 1 seat &ulogio +. %agsaysay 8'8?8G 38'8?8G I 1 seat ;;; =&T&+8! >+&&G$% P8+TE 3=>P I 1 seat &rnesto !. ?idaya #$$P&+8T*=& 8T##$ &TB$+ P8+TE 3#$$P8T##$ I 1 seat ?uillermo P. #ua 8 B8+8E 38 B8+8E I 1 seat >lorencio ?. oel 88 %*G88$ 38%* I 1 seat %uHiv !. Dataman /0 !ubse"uently, 8'*> was also proclaimed as dulyelected partylist participant and its nominee, DadHi 8cmad %. Tomawis, as elected representative to the Douse of +epresentatives. /-0 $n Aune )), )((4, petitioners P% and 7CT*', together with #*78#, filed a Aoint %otion for *mmediate Proclamation /90 with the respondent #ommission en banc . They prayed that they be declared as entitled to one 31 additional seat each and their respective second nominees be proclaimed as duly elected members of the Douse of +epresentatives. 8s basis, they cited the formula used by the #ourt in A; Ba;; Baa9O#W "ar Par* :. COME"EC , /1(0 viz 2

Additional Beats

!otes #ast for  Cualified Party = ---------------------- x !otes #ast for ?irst Party

 Allotted Beatsfor   ?irst Party

$n Aune )5, )((4, petitioners and #*78# filed a !upplement to the Aoint %otion 3>or *mmediate Proclamation /110 to Hustify their entitlement to an additional seat, as follows2 5. To compute the additional seats that movants are entitled to using the Veterans formula of the !upreme #ourt in the aforesaid A; Ba;; Baa9 O#W "ar Par* a3 Baa Ma  cases, and Party 'ist #anvass +eport o. )(,

the following process is done2 7ayan %una is the >irst Party with 1,)(,(5 votes. To determine the number of seats allocated to the first party, we use the Veterans formula, to wit2  Number of votes Proportion of votes of first party of first party relative ---------------------= to total votes for  Total votes for   party-list system  party-list system Applyin" this formula,
=

1.2030%

6. Daving obtained 9.45-5:, the first party, 7ayan %una, is allotted three 3 seats. . The number of additional seats that the movants are entitled to are determined as follows2

Additional Beats

=

!otes #ast for  Cualified Party ------------------ x !otes #ast for  ?irst Party

Allotted Beats for ?irst Party

?or (+TL, the computation is as follo
Additional Beats

!otes #ast for  Cualified Party =  ------------------ x !otes #ast for  ?irst Party

?or #(A#, the computation is D 210,'1/ Additional Beats = ------------- x ',/,/0

/

Allotted Beats for ?irst Party

= './20

?or P), the computation is D 223,5 Additional Beats = ------------- x ',/,/0

/

= '.''5'

-. 8ll the foregoing results are greater than one 31M therefore, the movantparty list organiations are entitled to one 31 additional seat each. /1)0 $n Auly 1, )((4, respondent #ommission en banc , issued +esolution o. 7# (4 (11, /10 viz 2 This pertains to the (6 Auly )((4 %emorandum of the !upervisory #ommittee, ational 7oard of #anvassers, submitting its commentNrecommendation on the petition filed by 'uon >armers Party 37CT*', #itiens 7attle 8gainst #orruption 3#*78#, Partido ng %anggagawa 3P% and ?abriela BomenFs Party for additional seat and to immediately proclaim their respective second nominees to the Douse of +epresentatives, and the letter of 8tty. *vy Perucho, 'egal counsel of the #*78#, relative to the Aoint %otion for *mmediate Proclamation filed by 7CT*', #*78#, P% re"uesting to calendar for resolution the said Aoint %otion. The %emorandum of the !upervisory #ommittee reads2 "This has reference to the Urgent Motion for Resolution (re: Joint Motion for Immediate roclamation dated !! June !#$ filed on Jul% &' !# b% movants uzon )armers art% (*UTI$' +itizens *attle ,gainst +orruption (+I*,+$ and artido ng Manggaga-a (M$' .*+ +ase .o/ #0&12 (&13$ and a similar motion filed b% part%0list 4abriela 5omen6s art% (.*+ .o/ #0!$ through counsel'  pra%ing to declare that the herein movants are entitled to one (&$ additional seat each' and to immediatel% proclaim the second nominees' to -it: 7 7 7  The Supreme Court, in its latest Resolution promulgated on November 10, 2003 (sic) in ng !agong !a"ani#$%& 'abor art" vs Comelec, et al (*R No 1+-./) and !a"an una vs Comelec, et al (*R No 1+13), laid don a simpliied ormula o one additional seat per additional to (2)  percent o the total part" list votes The same simpliied ormula as adopted b" the Commission in its Resolution No .3- promulgated 0. a" 200+, to 4uote5 6The additional seats o other parties ho reached the re4uired to  percent mar7, the olloing ormula applies5  No. of votes o  fconcerned party

 Additional seat  nona for concerned party =

----------------------------  No. of additional seats allocated to the  first party ------- x   No. of votes of first  party The aorenamed part"#list organi8ations have not obtained the re4uired additional to (2) percent o the total part"#list votes  or them to merit an additional seat %or "our 9onors: consideration6 

;;; C/3+r; *h+ r+;;, *h+ C--// RE$O"&ED, a/ * h+r+ RE$O"&E$, * 3r+c* *h+ $+r:/r C--**++ * ca/+ *h+ r+9*aa*  *h+ :*+/ r C*=+/ Ba**+ A;a/* Crr* (CIBAC, "= #ar-+r/ Par* (B!TI", Par*3 ; Ma;;a;a8a (PM a3 Gar+a W-+r+c--+3a*, *;+*h+r 8*h *h+ *aa*+3 ;r+/  *h+ r+;; ar*+/, r arra*+ ac*  *h+ C--//.

'et the !upervisory #ommittee implement this resolution and to furnish copies hereof to the parties concerned for their information and guidance. !$ $+G&+&G. /140 3emphases supplied  >or failure of the respondent #ommission to resolve the substantive issues raised by petitioners and to cause the retabulation of the partylist votes despite the lapse of time, petitioners P% and 7CT*' filed the instant petition on 8ugust 1-, )((4. They see< the issuance of a writ of mandamus to compel respondent #ommission2 a to convene as the ational 7oard of #anvassers for the Party'ist !ystemM b to declare them as entitled to one 31 additional seat eachM c to immediately proclaim their respective second nomineesM d to declare other similarly situated partylist organiations as entitled to one 31 additional seat eachM and e to immediately proclaim similarly situated partiesF second nominees as duly elected representatives to the Douse of +epresentatives. /150 They submit as sole issue2 BD&TD&+ $+ $T +&!P$G&T #$%&'&# 8. *,.+' 8! TD& 8T*$8' 7$8+G $> #8=8!!&+! >$+ TD& P8+TE'*!T !E!T&%, #$C'G 7& #$%P&''&G 7E TD& D$$+87'& #$C+T T$ %&#D8*#8''E 8PP'E TD& >$+%C'8 !T8T&G * *T! )5 AC& )(( +&!$'CT*$ +&*T&+8T&G * TD& )( $=&%7&+ )(( +&!$'CT*$ * ANG BAGONG BA%ANI #8!&! * TD& G&T&+%*8T*$ $> OC8'*>*&G P8+TE '*!T $+?8*L8T*$! 8G * TD& P+$#'8%8T*$ $> TD&*+ +&!P&#T*=& $%*&&!. /160

Be shall first resolve the procedural issues. +espondent #ommission, through the $ffice of the !olicitor ?eneral, submits that petitionersF recourse to a petition formandamus with this #ourt is improper. *t raises the following procedural issues2 3a the proper remedy from the assailed resolution of the respondent #ommission is a petition for certiorari  under +ule 65 of the +ules of #ourtM 3b the instant action was filed out of timeM and 3c failure to file a motion for reconsideration of the assailed resolution with the respondent #ommission is fatal to petitionersF action. /10 *n assailing petitionersF recourse to a petition for mandamus, respondent #ommission relies on !ection , 8rticle *38 of the 19- #onstitution which provides that any decision, order or ruling of the respondent #ommission may be brought to the !upreme #ourt on certiorari by the aggrieved party within thirty days from receipt of a copy thereof. *t contends that in Ara*c :. COME"EC /1-0 and Dar :. M/ , /190 this provision was construed as the special civil action of certiorari under +ule 65 and not the appeal by certiorari under +ule 45. +espondent #ommission further contends that its duty to proclaim the second nominees of P% and 7CT*' is not ministerial but discretionary, hence, it is not subHect to the writ of  mandamus. The arguments fail to impress. Cnder the #onstitution, this #ourt has original Hurisdiction over petitions for certiorari , prohibition and mandamus./)(0 Be have consistently ruled that where the duty of the respondent #ommission is ministerial, mandamus lies to compel its performance. /)10 8 purely ministerial act, as distinguished from a discretionary act, is one which an officer or tribunal performs in a given state of facts, in a prescribed manner, in obedience to the mandate of legal authority, without regard to or the e;ercise of his own Hudgment upon the propriety or impropriety of the act done. /))0 The case at bar is one of mandamus over which this #ourt has Hurisdiction for it is respondent #ommissionFs ministerial duty to apply the formula as decided by this #ourt after interpreting the e;isting law on partylist representation. *t is given that this #ourt has the ultimate authority to interpret laws and the #onstitution. /)0 +espondent #ommission has no discretion to refuse enforcement of any decision of this #ourt under any guise or guile. *n any event, it is the averments in the complaint, and not the nomenclature given by the parties, that determine the nature of the action. /)40 Though captioned as a Petition for Mandamus, the same may be treated as a petition for certiorari  and mandamus considering that it alleges that the respondent #ommission acted contrary to prevailing Hurisprudence, hence, with grave   abuse of discretion and without Hurisdiction. *n previous rulings, /)50 we have

treated differently labeled actions as special civil actions for certiorari under +ule 65 for reasons such as Hustice, e"uity and fairplay /)60 and novelty of the issue presented and its farreaching effects. /)0 The petition at bar involves the rightful representation in the Douse of +epresentatives of the marginalied groups by the partylist winners and their constitutional claim merits more than a disposition based on thin technicality. e;t, respondent #ommission contends that the petition at bar was filed belatedly. Cnder 8rticle *38, !ection  of the #onstitution and +ule 64, !ection  of the +ules of #ourt, the instant petition must be filed within thirty 3( days from receipt of the notice of the decision, order or ruling to be reviewed. !ince more than ( days have lapsed from the time P% and 7CT*' allegedly received notice of respondent #ommissionFs +esolution o. 6-5, it is urged that the instant petition was filed out of time. /)-0 8gain, the contention is without merit. Be have interpreted 8rticle *38, !ection  of the #onstitution and +ule 64, !ection  of the +ules of #ourt to mean final orders, rulings and decisions of the respondent #ommission rendered in the e;ercise of its adHudicatory or "uasiHudicial powers. /)-0 7efore resolving whether +esolution o. 6-5 was rendered in the e;ercise of respondent #ommissionFs adHudicatory or "uasiHudicial powers, we recapitulate the pertinent events. $n %ay -, )((4, respondent #ommission issued +esolution o. 6-5. $n Aune ), )((4, it also issued +esolution o. 7# (4((4 holding petitioners entitled to only one 31 nominee each on the basis of +esolution o. 6-5. $n Aune )), )((4, petitioners filed a Aoint %otion for *mmediate Proclamation with partylist co participant #*78#, claiming entitlement to an additional seat using the formula stated in A; Ba;; Baa. Thereafter, they filed their !upplement to the Aoint %otion 3>or *mmediate Proclamation. $n Auly 1, )((4, they filed an Crgent %otion for +esolution 3+e2 Aoint %otion for *mmediate Proclamation dated )) Aune )((4 and again, on Auly 1), )((4, they filed their %otion to +esolve 3+e2 Aoint %otion for *mmediate Proclamation filed on )) Aune )((4. *n response, respondent #ommission en banc issued +esolution o. 7# (4(11 "uoted above, which directed the !upervisory #ommittee to cause the retabulation of the votes of #*78#, ?87+*&'8 and petitioners P% and 7CT*'. The resolution referred to the %emorandum of the !upervisory #ommittee which adopted the simplified formula in +esolution o. 6-5. Bithout further ado, petitioners 7CT*' and P% filed the instant petition on 8ugust 1-, )((4 or eighteen 31- days after the promulgation of  +esolution o. 7# (4(11. #learly, the instant petition was timely filed. Be hold that +esolution o. 6-5 was not rendered in the e;ercise of respondent #$%&'&#Fs "uasiHudicial powers. *ts issuance was not brought about by a matter

or case filed before the respondent #ommission. +ather, it was issued by the respondent #ommission in the e;ercise of its administrative function to enforce and administer election laws to ensure an orderly election. >inally, respondent #ommission contends that petitionersF failure to file a motion for reconsideration of +esolution o. 6-5 is fatal. 8gain, the argument is without merit. Cnder +ule 1, !ection 13d of the #$%&'&# +ules of Procedure, a motion for reconsideration of an en banc  ruling, order or decision of the respondent #ommission is not allowed. %oreover, the issue of what formula applies in determining the additional seats to be allocated to partylist winners is a pure "uestion of law that is a recognied e;ception to the rule on e;haustion of administrative remedies. /(0 Be shall now resolve the substantive issue2 the formula for computing the additional seats due, if any, for winners in partylist elections. Petitioners cite the formula crafted by the #ourt in the landmar< case of &+*+ra/ #+3+ra* Par* :. COME"EC . /10 They allege that the Aune )5, )(( +esolution of the #ourt in A; Ba;; Baa9O#W :. COME"EC /)0 reiterated that the additional seats for "ualified partylist organiations shall be computed in accordance with the above formula in =eterans and that the ovember )(, )(( +esolution /0 of the #ourt in the same case had not departed from its )5 Aune )(( +esolution. /40 8 review of the pertinent legal provisions and Hurisprudence on the partylist system is appropriate. The #onstitution provides2 8rt. =*, !ection 5. 31 The Douse of +epresentatives shall be composed of not more than two hundred and fifty members, unless otherwise fi;ed by law, who shall be elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and the %etropolitan %anila area in accordance with the number of their respective inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio, and those who, a/ r:3+3  a8,  shall be elected through a partylist system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or organiations. 3 emphasis supplied  Pursuant to the #onstitutionFs mandate, #ongress enacted +.8. o. 941, also
!ection 11. .umber of art%0ist Representatives/ I ;;; *n determining the allocation of seats for the second vote, the following procedure shall be observed2 (a Th+ ar*+/, r;a=a*/, a3 ca*/ /ha + ra?+3 r- *h+ h;h+/* * *h+ 8+/* a/+3  *h+ -+r  :*+/ *h+ ;ar+r+3 3r; *h+ ++c*/. ( Th+ ar*+/, r;a=a*/, a3 ca*/ r+c+:; a* +a/* *8 +rc+* (2@  *h+ **a :*+/ ca/* r *h+ ar*9/* //*+- /ha + +**+3 * + /+a* +ach) rovided, Tha* *h/+ ;ar+r; -r+ *ha *8 +rc+* (2@  *h+ :*+/ /ha + +**+3 * a33*a /+a*/  *h+ rr*  *h+r **a -+r  :*+/) Pr:3+3, a, Tha* +ach ar*, r;a=a*, r ca* /ha + +**+3 * * -r+ *ha *hr++ ( /+a*/.

!ection 1). rocedure in ,llocating 9eats for art%0ist Representatives/I Th+ COME"EC /ha *a a *h+ :*+/ r *h+ ar*+/, r;a=a*/, r ca*/  a a*83+ a//, ra? *h+- accr3; * *h+ -+r  :*+/ r+c+:+3 a3 aca*+ ar*9/* r+r+/+*a*:+/ rr*a*+ accr3; * *h+ +rc+*a;+  :*+/ *a+3  +ach ar*, r;a=a*, r ca* a/ a;a/* *h+ **a a*83+ :*+/ ca/* r *h+ ar*9/* //*+-. 3emphases supplied  These provisions on the partylist system were put to test in the %ay 11, 199elections. *n the landmar< case of &+*+ra/, /50 several petitions for certiorari , prohibition and mandamus, with prayers for the issuance of temporary restraining orders or writs of preliminary inHunction, were filed by some parties and organiations that had obtained at least two percent of the total partylist votes cast in the %ay 11, 199- partylist elections, against #$%&'&# and - other parties, organiations and coalitions which had been declared by #$%&'&# as entitled to partylist seats in the Douse of +epresentatives. The following issues were raised2 1 whether the twenty percent constitutional allocation is mandatoryM ) whether the two percent threshold re"uirement and the threeseat limit under !ection 113b of +.8. o. 941 is constitutionalM and  how the additional seats of a "ualified party should be determined. *n said case, the #ourt set the four inviolable parameters of the partylist system under the #onstitution and +.8. o. 941, to wit2 )irst' the t-ent% percent allocation I the combined number of all partylist congressmen shall not e;ceed twenty percent of the total membership of the Douse of +epresentatives, including those elected under the party list. 9econd' the t-o percent threshold I only those parties garnering a minimum of two percent of the total valid votes cast for the partylist system are "ualified to have a seat in the Douse of +epresentatives.

Third' the three0seat limit  I each "ualified party, regardless of the number of votes it actually obtained, is entitled to a ma;imum of three seatsM that is, one "ualifying and two additional seats. )ourth' proportional representation I the additional seats which a "ualified party is entitled to shall be computed in proportion to their total number of votes.

'i
;;; N8, h8 3 8+ 3+*+r-+ *h+ -+r  /+a*/ *h+ r/* ar* / +**+3 *    Th+ r-a    / a/ 8/)

Number of votes of first party -------------------- = Total votes for Party-list system

Proportion of votes of  first party relative to total votes for party-list system

*f the proportion of votes received by the first party without rounding it off is e"ual to at least si; percent of the total valid votes cast for all the party list groups, then the first party shall be entitled to two additional seats or a total of three seats overall. *f the proportion of votes without a rounding off is e"ual to or greater than

four percent, but less than si; percent, then the first party shall have one additional or a total of two seats. 8nd if the proportion is less than four percent, then the first party shall not be entitled to any additional seat. ;;; Step Three. The ne;t step is to solve for *h+ -+r  a33*a /+a*/ *ha* *h+ other 4ualiied parties are entitled to , based on proportional representation. The formula is encompassed by the following comple; fraction2

Additional seats for  for concerned =  party

 No. of votes of  concerned party ---------------------Total No. of votes  party-list system ---------------------- x  No. of votes of  first party ---------------------Total No. of votes for party-list system

 No. of additional seats allocated to the first party

n simplified form, it is
Additional seats for concerned = party

No. of votes of  concerned party -----------------------No. of votes of  first party

x No. of additional seats allocated to the first party E/:F

3emphases supplied  8pplying this formula, the #ourt found the outcome of the %ay 11, 199- partylist elections as follows2 r"ani7ation

'. AP4# . A(A /. ALAA@ 2. !4T4RANB ?4@4RATN 0. PR)@ :. A9 5. N#B?

!otes %a"e nitial Additional Beats Total arnered of Total  No. !otes of  Beats 0/,235 0.0% ' '  /',:2: /.0'% ' /',:2:G0/,235 H ' = .:2 ' /',0 /.2'% ' /',0G0/,235 H ' = .: ' /2,3 /.//% ' /2,3G0/,235 H ' = .:' ' 00,'32 .51% /1,2 .:'% /3,// .:%

' ' '

00,'32G0/,235 H ' = .0' /1,2G0/,235 H ' = .25 /3,//G0/,235 H ' = .25

' ' '

3. A(ANB46PNA* 1. A9(A*AN6 '. (+TL ''. BANLA9AB '. #P-NAT## '/. ##?4@

/0,023 /,/5: '0,:2/ '12,:'5 '31,3 '3:,/33

.05% .02% ./:% .'/% .5% .2%

' ' ' ' ' '

/0,023G0/,235 H ' = .25 /,/5:G0/,235 H ' = .2: '0,:2/G0/,235 H ' = .2/ '12,:'5G0/,235 H ' = ./1 '31,3G0/,235 H ' = ./3 '3:,/33G0/,235 H ' = ./5

' ' ' ' ' E/5F '

The case of A; Ba;; Baa arose during the %ay 14, )((1 partylist elections. Two petitions for certiorari were filed by several partylist candidates2 3a to challenge a resolution of the #$%&'&# approving the participation of some 154 organiations and parties in the %ay 14, )((1 partylist electionsM and 3b to dis"ualify certain parties classified as political parties and organiationsNcoalitions by #$%&'&#. *n a Gecision dated Aune )6, )((1, the #ourt established the eightpoint guideline /-0 for the screening of partylist participants. The case was then remanded to the #$%&'&# for the immediate conduct of summary evidentiary hearings to implement the eightpoint guideline. *n due time, #$%&'&# submitted its compliance reports to the #ourt. 7ased on the compliance reports, the #ourt issued several resolutions proclaiming 78E8 %C8 with its three nominees and 878E8K, 7CT*', 8P&# and #*78#, with one nominee each, as partylist winners. /90 !ubse"uently, several motions for proclamation were filed by other partylist participants. *n resolving the motions, the #ourt had to consider, among others, the effect of the dis"ualification after the elections of many partylist participants to the total votes cast for the partylist elections. *n the previous case of "a :. COME"EC,/4(0 this #ourt ruled that the votes cast for an ineligible or dis"ualified candidate cannot be considered stray e;cept when the electorate is fully aware in fact and in law of a candidateFs dis"ualification so as to bring such awareness within the realm of notoriety but nonetheless cast their votes in favor of the ineligible candidate. *n its +esolution dated Aune )5, )((, the #ourt held that the "a 3c*r+ cannot be applied to the partylist system in view of !ec. 1( of +.8. o. 941 which e;pressly provides that the votes cast for a party, a sectoral organiation or a coalition not entitled to be voted for shall not be counted. The #ourt then proceeded to determine the number of nominees the partylist winners were entitled, thus2 /410 W+ /ha 8 3+*+r-+ *h+ -+r  -++/ +ach 8; ar* / +**+3 *,  accr3ac+ 8*h *h+ r-a  &+*+ra/. >or purposes of determining the number of its nominees, 78E8 %C8 3the party that obtained the highest number of votes is considered the first party. The applicable formula is as follows2 umber of votes of first party

Proportion of votes of first

 Q Total votes for partylist system

party relative to total votes for partylist system

8pplying this formula, we arrive at )6.19 percent2 ;;; Daving obtained )6.19 percent, 78E8 %C8 is entitled to three 3 seats. This finding is pursuant to our ruling in &+*+ra/ ; ; ;. ;;; /B0e shall compute only the additional seat or seats to be allocated, if any, to the other "ualified parties  7CD8E, 8%*, 878, #$#$>&G, P%, !8'88! and 878!&K P*8E. A; *h+ r++:a* r-a  &+*+ra/ * B!'A% , we arrive at (.512 Votes Cast for ualified Party Additional Seats = ------------------- x Allotted Seats for Votes Cast for !irst Party !irst Party

=

1,5: ------------- x ',53,0/

=

.0'

/

!ince (.51 is less than one, 7CD8E is not entitled to any additional seat. *t is entitled to only one "ualifying seat li
Party-list

!otes

Percenta"e $%&

 / 2 0 : 5 3 1 '

AP4# A9(A*AN6 (+TL #(A# (+;A* A)N A(A ##?4@ P)

3,: /55,30 //,3 //,3' 1,5: 0,0' 2,'11 1,':0 ':,3/

'.1 0.51 0.: 2.1: 2.2: /.3: /.5' /.0' /./

Additional Beats nGc nGc nGc nGc .0' .22 .2 .2 ./3

'' '

BANLA9AB A(ANB46PNA*

'0','5 '/0,''

./' .5

.: .2

The additional seats for 8P&#, 878E8K, 7CT*' and #*78#, if any, were not determined in the #ourtFs +esolution dated Aune )5, )((, as there was a separate pending motion filed by 78E8 %C8 to set aside the resolution of the #$%&'&# proclaiming 8P&#, 878E8K, 7CT*' and #*78#Fs respective additional nominees. Gissatisfied by the #ourtFs Aune )5, )(( +esolution, 7CD8E filed a motion to have it declared as entitled to one 31 additional seat. $n ovember )(, )((, in the same case of A; Ba;; Baa, /4)0 the #ourt computed the additional seats for 8P&#, 878E8K, 7CT*' and #*78# in accordance with the formula stated in the #ourtFs +esolution dated Aune )5, )((, and found the results as follows2 AP4# A9(A*AN (+TL #(A#

I I I I

'.2 .:: .03 .0:

Then, the #ourt resolved pro hac vice to grant 7CD8EFs motion, reasoning that2 *t is thus established in the +esolution of )5 Aune )(( that, li
cr- * *h+ rc+  rr*a r+r+/+*a* mandated by the law. /4503emphases supplied  $+c3, in the ovember )(, )(( +esolution in A; Ba;; Baa,  the #ourt gave an additional seat to 7CD8E only because it was similarly situated to 8P&#, 7CT*', #*78# and 878E8 which had obtained more than four percent 34: of the total number of votes validly cast for the partylist system and obtained more than (.5( for the additional seats. Bell to note, the grant of an additional seat to 7CD8E was pro hac vice, thus2 8##$+G*?'E, the #ourt hereby +&!$'=&!,  pro hac vice

1. To consider closed and terminated the issue regarding the proclamation by the #$%&'&# of the additional nominees of 8P&#, 7CT*', #*78# and 878E8, such nominees having ta
Additional seats for concerned =  party

 No. of votes of  concerned party ------------------- x  No. of votes of  first party

No. of additional seats allocated to the first party E21F

8pplying said formula to the undisputed figures in Party'ist #anvass +eport o. )(, we do not find petitioners entitled to any additional seat. Thus2

Additional seats = for P"

223,5 ------------ x ',/,/0



=

.52

Additional seats = for #$T%&

21,01 ------------ x ',/,/0

=



.5'

IN &IEW W'EREO# , the petition is DENIED. $O ORDERED. anganiban' +/J/' uisumbing' ;nares09antiago' 9andoval04utierrez' +arpio'  ,ustria0Martinez' +arpio0Morales' +alle
/10

 Gated %ay -, )((4M +ollo, pp. 5-6(.

/)0

Id . at 6(.

/0

 !hould be ovember )(, )((.

/40

+ollo, pp. 5-59.

/50

 8nne; , dated Aune ), )((4M Id/ at 11411.

/60

 Gated Aune ), )((4M Id . at 6166.

/0

 Id/ at 6466.

/-0

 +esolution o. 7# (4((- dated Aune )9, )((4M Id . at .

/90

Id . at -69(.

/1(0

 +esolution dated Aune )5, )((M 4(4 !#+8 19 3)((.

/110

 +ollo, pp. 99.

/1)0

Id/ at 9596.

/10

 *n the %atter of the #ommentN+ecommendation of the !upervisory #ommittee on the Petition filed by 'uon >armers Party 37CT*', #itiens 7attle 8gainst #orruption 3#*78#, Partido ng %anggagawa 3P% and ?abriela BomenFs Party for 8dditional !eat and to *mmediately Proclaim their +espective !econd ominees to the Douse of +epresentativesM and the 'etter of 8tty. *vy Perucho of #*78# +e"uesting to #alendar for +esolution said Aoint %otionM  Id/ at 11(11. /140

/150

/160

Id/ at 11(11.

 PetitionM *d. at 5)5. Id . at )5.

/10

 #ommentM *d. at 14-8154.

/1-0

 -- !#+8 )51 3199.

/190

 16 !#+8 -4 319-9.

/)(0

 !ection 5 31, 8rt. =*** of the #onstitution states that the !upreme #ourt shall /e0;ercise original Hurisdiction over cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and over petitions for certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, "uo warranto, and habeas corpus. /)10

 +amos v. #$%&'&#, -( Phil. )) 3194-M 9ee also 'oada v. #$%&'&#, 1)( !#+8  319-. /))0

 %eralco !ecurities #orporation v. !avellano, 11 !#+8 -(4 319-), citing !amson v. 7arrios, 6 Phil. 19- 3196M 'emi v. =alencia, )6 !#+8 )( 31969. /)0

 ?uieb v. #ivil !ervice #ommission, ))9 !#+8 9 31994.

/)40

 'igon v. #8, )94 !#+8  3199-, citing 8bad v. #ourt of >irst *nstance of Pangasinan, 7r. =***, )(6 !#+8 56, 59 3199)M !olid Domes, *nc. v. #ourt of 8ppeals, )1 !#+8 15, 164 3199. /)50

9ee 'igon v. #8,  ibid .M 87!#7 !upervisors &mployees Cnion %embers v. 87! #7 7roadcasting #orporation, (4 !#+8 4-9 31999M *n +e2 Petition !eeorceful &ffect of Two 3) >inal and &;ecutory but #onflicting Gecisions of the Donorable !upreme #ourt, )1 !#+8 6) 31999M Giesel #onstruction #ompany, *nc. v. Aollibee >oods #orporation, ) !#+8 -44 3)(((M

 !evillana v. *.T., 56 !#+8 451 3)((1M and eplum, *nc. v. $rbeso, -4 !#+8 466 3)((). /)60

 87!#7 !upervisors &mployees Cnion %embers v. 87!#7 7roadcasting #orporation, supra, citing !alaar v. '+#, )56 !#+8 ) 31996. /)0

 eplum, *nc. v. $rbeso, supra.

/)-0

 +ollo, pp. 15)15.

/)-0

9ee !alva v. %ailipino &ngineering and %achine !hop v. >errer, 15 !#+8 )5 319-5. /(0

9ee Ge 'eon v. #arpio, 1- !#+8 45 319-9M %adrigal v. 'ecaro, 191 !#+8 )( 3199(M 8lindao v. Aoson, )64 !#+8 )11 31996M and 8lfafara v. 8cebedo $ptical, #o., *nc., -1 !#+8 )9 3)((). /10

/)0

 4) !#+8 )44 3)(((M 9ee +ollo, pp. )1. 9upra ote 1(.

/0

 416 !#+8 (4 3)((.

/40

 PetitionM +ollo, pp. 1, 5.

/50

9upra ote 1.

/60

Id/ at ))-(.

/0

Id/ at )-1.

/-0

9ee 8ng 7agong 7ayani$>B 'abor Party v. #$%&'&#, 59 !#+8 69-, )1 3)((1. /90

/4(0

9upra ote 1(, pp. ))4.

 )11 !#+8 )9 3199).

/410

9upra ote 1(, pp. 4)45.

/4)0

9upra ote , p. (6.

/40

/440

/450

Id . at (.

 >ootnote M 9upra ote 1(, p. 44. Id/ at 9.

/460

 9upra ote , pp. ((-.

/40

 7lac
/4-0

9ee 9upra ote 1(, p. 44.

/490

9upra ote 1, pp. )5(, )-(.