"Our democratic processes should remain protected against unethical and unscrupulous activities."
"Our democratic processes should remain protected against unethical and unscrupulous activities."
The party list system is established to provide equitable opportunity and representation in government for marginalized and underrepresented sectors. Ideally, this system works to “benefit those who have less in life” by giving them “genuine hope and genuine power,” as Justice Panganiban has put it, to participate in democratic processes. However, over the years, the system has gradually failed to uphold its objective of true and proportional representation.
Republic Act No. 7941, otherwise known as the Party List System Act, provided for the qualifications of parties or organizations who may register with the Commission on Elections. The law allows political, national, sectoral, or even a coalition of parties to participate. In 2013, the Supreme Court, however, “broadened” the scope of qualified parties/organizations when it ruled that national and regional parties or organizations do not need to represent any marginalized and underrepresented sector. This became a dangerous precedent to the system.
Out of the 304 seats in Congress, one may think that a single seat would not matter much. However, that single seat may spell the difference in passing laws of utmost national importance, to the extent of amending the very Constitution. Hence, the taking of undue advantage in the party-list system cannot be taken lightly.
While it is undeniable that party list legislators have contributed significantly in shaping and improving national and local policies, there are also others who have abused the privilege given to serve as representatives of their chosen “sectors.” More than ever, we need a united House whose goal is to keep the nation afloat as we tread the uncertain waters of this pandemic.
The current party list system needs to be evaluated. It is high time we assessed the implementation of the law and looked into its possible amendment to ensure that these parties are genuinely serving to represent the very people they intend to represent. The Party List System Act is clear on the conditions which will merit the removal or cancellation of the registration. However, there remains a gray area which should be addressed by Congress to prevent imprudent registration of parties. Hence, I urge Comelec to revisit its procedures in the registration and strengthen its investigation and verification of its list of groups or organizations.
Our democratic processes should remain protected against unethical and unscrupulous activities. Most of all, we should ensure that our elected officials are true to their mandates—to represent Filipinos and to contribute to nation-building.