Nacionalista Party - Controversy Over Dominant-minority Status

Controversy Over Dominant-minority Status

During the 2010 elections, the Nacionalista and the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) formed an alliance after it was approved by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on April 12, 2010. The Nacionalistas fielded Senator Manuel Villar, Jr. and running with fellow Senator Loren Legarda who is a member of the NPC. It became the dominant minority party after a resolution passed by the COMELEC. On April 21, however it was blocked by the Supreme Court after a suit filed by the rival Liberal Party. On May 6, 2010, the Supreme Court nullified the merger and therefore giving the Liberal Party to be the dominant minority party. It was based on a resolution by the COMELEC giving political parties to be accredited by August 17, 2009.

The coalition was made to help the Nacionalista Party to help boost the presidential campaign of Senator Villar and have a chance to be the dominant minority party by the Commission on Elections which give the rights to poll watchers during the canvassing of votes. However it is being challenged by the Liberal Party calls the said alliance a "bogus" alliance, the Liberals are also seeking the same party status by the COMELEC. As well, several local races are being challenged from both parties therefore causing confusion in those races.