Diokno eyes party-list reforms, wants nominees from political dynasties removed

Metro Manila, Philippines - Incoming newbie lawmaker Chel Diokno, frontrunner Akbayan's first nominee, said he is in favor of amending the party-list system to exclude nominees from prominent political dynasties.

Diokno said the party-list law’s original intent should be reinforced amid concerns that the system is dominated by groups affiliated with political dynasties or big businesses.

“It is very clear that the spirit of the party-list law is to allow those sectors who don’t have a voice in Congress to have a say in how we pass and make legislations,” he said in an interview with “The Newsmaker” on Wednesday, May 14.

He listed three issues that need to be addressed in the system.

“Number one is the basic question of who may become a party-list this organization that should be accredited by the Comelec (Commission on Elections),” he said.

“If we can tighten that up and ensure that it really goes through the different sectors in our society, especially the marginalized, that would be really, really a good step forward,” the human rights activist added.

Diokno said nominees should come from the same sector they will be representing at the House of Representatives.

“And the third is, hopefully, I wish we could put in a provision that prohibits political dynasties from fielding nominees in the party-list system. Let’s make sure that at least in terms of the party-list system, [there are no] political dynasties.,” he said.

While there is no specific law that defines a political dynasty, Diokno said this could be addressed once the possible amendment in the party-list law “evolves.”

“Tingin ko pwede na natin simulan sa party-list muna [I think we can start with the party-list first]. And that's where we can come up with a clear definition. You know, it can evolve over time,” he said.

“We can begin with the definition that this may be more acceptable even to some of the perhaps more progressive political families in our country,” he added.

Diokno leads the nominees of Akbayan with sitting Rep. Perci Cendaña and Lumad rights champion Dadah Kiram Ismula.Metro Manila, Philippines - Incoming newbie lawmaker Chel Diokno, frontrunner Akbayan's first nominee, said he is in favor of amending the party-list system to exclude nominees from prominent political dynasties.