Proponents admit party-list system a failure

As the recent crop of party-list nominees continues to gather criticisms, proponents of the party-list law have admitted that the system has virtually failed to achieve its original goal of giving marginalized sectors representation at the House of Representatives. In an exclusive interview with GMA News’ Sherry Ann Torres, former Marikina Rep. Romeo Candazo, one of the main authors of the Republic Act 7941 or the Party-List System Act, said majority of the party-list representatives have been co-opted by traditional politics. "Otsenta porciento ay nagiging kasangkapan ng party-list mga traditional politician. Sa malaking bahagi [ng party-list system] nakita ko, co-opted sila ng sistema na absorb na ng traditional politics," Candazo said. The interview was aired over “24 Oras."

Former Maguindanao Rep. Datu Michael Matusra, main author of the law, blamed the implementation of the law for the system’s failure. "Ang failure diyan ay yung patakaran." RA 7941 was signed into law on March 3, 1995. The proponents' reaction came as opposition continues to mount against the inclusion of party-list groups that are allegedly linked with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the May 10 elections. Administration critics alleged that Mrs. Arroyo and her allies would use such representations to secure the House speakership in the next Congress. Among those whose nomination as party-list representatives is being questioned are presidential son and Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo (Ang Galing Pinoy) and former Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes (1-UTAK). Candazo suggested that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) craft a resolution to tighten rules on the accreditation of party-list groups. “Baka makuha na lang sa mga internal rules ng Comelec," he said. Comelec for its part assured that the body is exerting all efforts to ensure the smooth implementation of the system. "If you have an allegation that a party-list nominee is unqualified, you can file a case," said Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal. - KBK, GMANews.TV