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| Revisiting the Party-List Law(Photo: Senate PRIB) |
In a recent address, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero highlighted the pressing need to revisit and revise the Party-List System Act (Republic Act 7491). This call comes amidst growing concerns that many of the party-list organizations running in the upcoming elections no longer truly represent the marginalized sectors they were originally designed to empower.
A study by the election watchdog group Kontra Daya revealed a startling statistic: 55.13% of the party-list groups running do not represent the poor or underrepresented. This alarming trend raises questions about the efficacy and integrity of the current party-list system.
Escudero pointed out that the original intent of the Party-List System Act was to ensure proportional representation for marginalized and underrepresented groups in Congress. However, the reality has drifted far from this noble goal. He suggested that a review should start by identifying which sectors in Philippine society genuinely need representation in Congress.
Drawing a parallel to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) law, where sectoral and party representatives were clearly distinguished, Escudero proposed a similar approach for the national party-list system. This would involve defining and categorizing sectors to ensure that the party-list system remains true to its original purpose.
The need for reform is evident. The party-list system was conceived as a mechanism to give a voice to those who are often unheard in the political arena. Yet, it has become increasingly apparent that the system is being exploited by well-connected and powerful groups, thereby undermining its fundamental objectives.
As the nation prepares for the upcoming elections, it is crucial to address these issues and ensure that the party-list system serves its intended purpose. The revision of the Party-List System Act should aim to restore its integrity and reaffirm its commitment to genuine representation for the marginalized and underrepresented sectors of society.