Section 34January 23, 2007, Sec./Art. 34

Sec. 26 of Republic Act No. 7166 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SEC. 26. Official Watchers. - Every registered political party or coalition of political parties, and every candidate shall each be entitled to one watcher in every polling place and canvassing center: Provided That, candidates for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlunsod, or Sangguniang Bayan belonging to the same slate or ticket shall collectively be entitled to only one watcher.

"The dominant majority party and dominant minority party, which the Commission shall determine in accordance with law, shall each be entitled to one official watcher who shall be paid a fixed per diem of four hundred pesos (400,00) .

"There shall also recognized six principal watchers, representing the six accredited major political parties excluding the dominant majority and minority parties, who shall be designated by the Commission upon nomination of the said parties. These political parties shall be determined by the Commission upon notice and hearing on the basis of the following circumstances:

"(a) The established record of the said parties, coalition of groups that now composed them, taking into account, among other things, their showing in past election;

"(b) The number of incumbent elective officials belonging to them ninety (90) days before the date of election;

"c) Their identifiable political organizations and strengths as evidenced by their organized/chapters;

"(d) The ability to fill a complete slate of candidates from the municipal level to the position of President; and

"(e) Other analogous circumstances that may determine their relative organizations and strengths."