MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Secretariat has accepted manifestations for intent to participate in the 2010 elections from 18 party list groups Friday, an official said.

Based on records from the Comelec Secretariat, manifestations from the following groups were accepted between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday: Anak Mindanao(Amin), 1-Utak, Biyayang Bukid, Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac), Buhay Hayaan Yumabong (Buhay), Ayoko sa Bawal na Droga (Ako), Anwaray, 1-Araw, Abakada Guro, Aba Ilonggo, Biyayang Bukid (Bukid), Ako Bicol (AKB), Alliance for Barangay Concerns (ABC), Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (Agap), Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE) and Abante Bicol Oragon (Abo Inc.).

Of the total, Ako and 1-Araw have pending petitions for registration before the Comelec while there are two manifestations filed by separate representatives of Amin and Cibac.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said agency is accepting all certificates of candidacy (CoC) and manifestations of intent to join the party list system of representation “as part of its ministerial duty” starting Friday, November 20 to 30 between 8a.m. to 5p.m. and from 8a.m. to 12 midnight of December 1.

In the case of parties not yet accredited, Jimenez said the Comelec is open to accept their manifestations provided they have a waiver stating they would withdraw from their bid if they fail to get accreditation.

“All candidacies from interested parties who want to join the elections will be accepted as long as they satisfy the requirements. Five days after the deadline there would be hearings that would be done to separate nuisance from serious candidates and before December ends we would have the certified or official list of candidates for the 2010 elections,” said Jimenez.

In August, around 300 party lists applied for registration and accreditation to join the 2010 elections after the Supreme Court revised the formula for computing the seats for party lists at the House of Representatives and paved way for 28 additional representatives to take a seat at the House of Representatives.

There are 17,943 seats up for grabs in the 2010 elections. (See related article)