“The Party-List representatives shall constitute twenty per
centum of the total number of representatives including those under the
party-list. For three consecutive terms after the ratification of this
Constitution, one-half of the seats allocated to part-list representatives
shall be filled, as provided by law, by selection or election from the labor,
peasant, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, and such
other sectors as may be provided by law, except the religious sector.” (1986
Phil. Constitution, Article VI, Section 5.2)
The Officers and Members of the 1986 Philippine
Constitutional Convention by and large proved their intelligence and integrity,
their competence and good will. Their spirit was patriotic. Their intention was
principled. Their vision was noble. Thus it is that the 1986 Philippine
Constitution they dutifully prepared and accordingly approved by Filipinos is
worthy of the gratitude and affirmation of the People of the Philippines.
The above-cited constitutional provision on the Party-List
System cannot be faulted in its desire and design, its interest and concern in
behalf of the less favored members of Philippine society. The rich and the
powerful can take care of themselves. The influential dynasties and leading
clans can readily protect their own interests as well as promote their own
concerns. But there is Party-List representative to stand for the rights and
demands of the underprivileged, the helpless, and marginalized sector of
Philippine society.
But sad to say, they depend on the professional politicos in the
Country to mess up the just content and right intent of the Party-List
constitutional provision and intention. The truth is that some of them are even
planning to change allegedly “some” constitutional provisions, allegedly according
to the demands of the times, allegedly for the “good” of the people, allegedly
for the “welfare” of the generations yet to come. Again: Count of the said
specialist in partisan politics to use, abuse, misuse the Party-List System to
their own egoistic advantage and benefit.
It grossly started with someone having the backing of the then
most powerful and consequently most privileged political lineage in the
Country. Wonder of all wonders, the individual concerned nonchalantly presented
himself as the head nominee/candidate of a Party-List representing the Security
Guards among other forsaken sectors of Philippine Society. The known
personality won hands down. Hands down as well, he is now gone.
Now, it is reported that there is a “Movement” that is
already well entrenched in power and influence as very close ally of the
present administration, is now seeking COMELEC accreditation as a Party-List.
Wow! So it is that there are now at least three quite new bad words that have
entered the world of politics: “Epal”, “Bofal”, “Kapal”.
Party-List System: Where goeth thou?
