Solons unite to reform party-list system law

Led by a majority of party-list congressmen, members of the House of Representatives have crossed party lines to push for the approval of a bill that would reform the party-list system law and guarantee that only the “marginalized and underrepresented” sector are elected and the barring of political dynasties in the country’s partylist system.

Now pending plenary action, House Bill (HB) 6056 also limits to 60 days the resolution by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) of legal issues raised against the qualifications of party-list organizations and nominees participating in an election.

At least 30 out of the 52 incumbent partylist congressmen signed as co-authors of HB 6056 which seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 7941 or the Party-list System Act.

Among the principal authors are Reps. Nery Colmenares (Bayan Muna); Terry Ridon (Kabataan); Roy Seneres Sr. (OFW Family); Juliet Cortuna (A Teachers); Rodel Batocabe (Ako Bicol); Luzviminda Ilagan (Gabriela); Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers); Nicanor Briones (AGAP); Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro City); Maximo Rodriguez (Abante Mindanao); Catalina G. LeonenPizarro (ABS); Sitti Djalia A. Turibin-Hataman (Anak Mindanao); Christopher Co (Ako Bicol); and Fredenil Castro (NUP, Capiz).

Castro, chairman of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said HB 6056 will help guarantee that RA 7941 will be more consistent with the constitutional mandate, intent and purpose of the party-list system.

Castro said that under the bill, any national, regional or sectoral party, organization or coalition already registered with the Comelec need not register again and will be automatically qualified to participate in party-list polls without presenting any other requirements.

However, no party-list group disbanded or was abolished one year before an election will be allowed to participate in the polls.

The bill addresses common complaints of many party-list groups whose proclamation had been delayed for months and even years due to the failure of Comelec to resolve swiftly pending protests for the cancellation of registration.

Castro, who had also endorsed the approval of the anti-political dynasty bill, said HB 6056 prohibits persons related to up to fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity for nomination at the same time.

He said the Comelec is authorized to “motu propio” deny a petition for registration if filed to “put the party-list election process in mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among voters by the similarity of petitioner’s name and any previously registered party-list.”

On the other hand, Batocabe disclosed that registered party-list groups will be required to express their intention to join 180 days prior to an election.