Isko bats for return of 2-party system, party-list law review

MARIKINA CITY – The party-list system is no longer responsive to the needs of the marginalized and has to be revisited, according to presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.

Domagoso said the system seemed to be working for the rich and not the poor.

Domagoso is also seeking for a return of the two-party political system in the country, saying it allows a more harmonious working relationship between the elected president and the vice president.

Under a two-party system, the electorate gives its votes to only two major parties in which one of the other party can win a majority in the legislature.

The Philippines currently has a multi-party system with numerous political parties. But back in the 1960s, the Philippines had a two-party system with politicians joining either the Liberal Party or the Nacionalista Party.

Domagoso said he will push for a regional representation in the Senate.

Domagoso said  that aside from the economic provisions that he wants to implement, he will bat for constitutional amendments to make Filipinos well represented in the legislative branch.

He said that under the current set-up, those who are well known, come from a family of politicians, or have the financial capability to mount a Senate bid are the ones likely to get elected.

Republic Act 7941 or the Party-List System Act was signed into law to promote proportional representation in the election of representatives to the House of Representatives.

This should “enable Filipino citizens belonging to the marginalized and underrepresented sectors, organizations and parties, and who lack well-defined political constituencies but who could contribute to the formulation and enactment of appropriate legislation that will benefit the nation as a whole, to become members of the House of Representatives”.

Domagoso said this no longer holds true, as party-list groups who are for the poor are “fading away” and replaced by moneyed individuals. (CMT)