POLITICAL DYNASTIES SHOULD BE PROHIBITED FROM THE PARTYLIST SYSTEM

POLITICAL DYNASTIES SHOULD BE PROHIBITED FROM THE PARTYLIST SYSTEM

Teddy Casiño, BAYAN Chairperson

The findings of electoral watchdog Kontra Daya that more than 50 percent of the organizations vying for a party list seat do not represent marginalized or underrepresented sectors show the urgent need to amend the partylist law.

From its original intent of giving marginalized and underrepresented sectors a seat at the table, the partylist system has become a tool for political dynasties, government contractors and other vested interests to hog the table. The latest Pulse Asia survey shows that eight groups projected to dominate the partylist elections are affiliated with political dynasties and big business interests.

This is why we intend to amend the partylist law to prohibit parties and organizations owned and controlled by the political dynasties from running in the partylist elections. Furthermore, nominees with relatives in elected positions up to the 2nd or even 3rd degree of affinity or consanguinity should be disqualified.

We should make the system exclusively for the marginalized and underrepresented sectors as defined in the Constitution, including regional and national parties representing them.

We also need to ensure that no elected or appointed government officials are nominated as partylist representatives unless they tender their resignation. We should require public hearings for organizations and nominees to prove that they are all genuine representatives of their respective sectors.

Some say abolishing party list representation should be the way to go, but that’s absurd and a step in the wrong direction. Ang mas kailangan natin ay amyendahan ang batas para tiyakin na ito ay para talaga sa mga mahihirap at nasa laylayan ng ating lipunan. Ito ang isang isusulong natin sa Senado.#