Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 3) — Presidential candidates Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Dr. Jose Montemayor Jr. on Sunday voiced support for the continuation of the party-list system in the country. Montemayor called for keeping the original definition and intent, while Moreno proposed safeguards to ensure nominees truly represent marginalized sectors.
The candidates were asked during the Commission on Elections (Comelec) sponsored debate if the party-list system should be reformed or completely abolished, as several candidates are not part of the sector they should represent.
The party-list system in the Philippines was established to enable small political parties as well as marginalized and underrepresented sectors of society including workers, farmers, urban poor and youth to have representation in the House of Representatives.
For Dr. Montemayor, the situation in the country will be more aggravated if the representation of the poor will disappear.
He reiterated that instead of the ‘marginalized’ sectors, the party-list system was originally meant for ‘underrepresented’ sectors.
Montemayor reiterated that there is no need to abolish the party-list system, instead, the original definition and intent of the framers of the Constitution should be preserved.
“‘Wag natin tanggalin ang party-list system, ngunit ibalik natin sa original definition and intent of the framers of the Constitution. Ano yan? Underrepresented, not necessarily marginalized,” he said.
[Translation: Let us not remove the party-list system, but let us bring back the original definition and intent of the framers of the Constitution. What is it? Underrepresented, not necessarily marginalized.]
He added that the constant revision of the party-list system has brought several changes in the law until wealthier people, who are not members of the ‘underrepresented sectors,’ have joined party-lists.
In the same light, Moreno also agreed that the party-list system should be continued, but safeguards must be put in place to ensure nominees are real representatives of marginalized sectors.
“Party-list system must continue but we have to put safeguards, whether through empowerment of Comelec on distinguishing membership of the party-list or their representation or nominees.” Domagoso stated.
“Are they really representing the marginalized? Are they really representing the intent of the law when it was crafted? Kailangan gumawa ng isa pang batas through the help of lawmakers or maybe through people’s initiative,” he suggested.
[Translation: A new law should be created with the help of lawmakers or maybe through people’s initiative.]
Moreno also reiterated that it is ‘high time’ to return to the two-party system, where the president and the vice president are elected as a team.
“It’s high time na tayo’y bumalik sa two-party system. We elect the president at the same time, pag nanalo ‘yung presidente, para walang away yung presidente at bise presidente, sabay silang mananalo.” Moreno stated.
[Translation: It’s high time that we return to two-party system. We elect the president at the same time, if the president wins, to avoid a conflict between the president and the vice president, they will win at the same time.]
He added that under that system, there will be two senators who will represent their respective regions.
