The Role of Party-List Groups and their Effects on Legislation

Abstract

The Party-list System enshrined in Article VI Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution reserves twenty percent of the seats of the Lower House of Congress for groups that represent the marginalized sectors of society. Republic Act 7941 of 1995 set out the mechanics for the implementation of this constitutional mandate. In 1998, 2001, and 2004 elections, various parties and organizations representing a myriad of sectors ran in the party- list system. This research looks at how the system has fared so far focusing on the dynamics of the Philippine legislature, democratization, dynamics of the party-list system—its basic features, proportional representation, prospects and intents, and the experiences for the first two party-list elections. Moreover, the researcher analyzes the significance of party-list groups, if they really are crucial in representing the underrepresented. After three elections, it has been quite difficult for many fledgling political parties and groups to garner seats in the House of Representatives. There are also obstacles when it comes to passage of bills in the halls of Congress. For three elections, the party-list groups have remained to be part of the minority. This research elucidates on the constraints and limitations encountered by the party-list groups and that have been imposed upon them. Finally, this research is an assessment on whether the party-list groups contribute to the legislative process and if they really performed the roles expected of them especially the representation of the interests of the marginalized sectors in the House of Representatives. This research used books, articles, and previous studies to gather information regarding the dynamics of party-list groups and Philippine legislation. Through the said materials, the researcher found out that being part of the legislature is not an easy task. As part of the continuous process of democratization and the upliftment of democracy, the government finds way to get away from the traditional politics and to improve the representation in the legislature. The party-list system is the step taken by the government to enhance the representation of the marginalized sector and to give them a voice in the aid of legislation. In this case, BAYAN MUNA was studied as to assess whether the party-list groups have met the expectations of their constituencies. So far, the BAYAN MUNA has gained popularity though it is only a premature in the political race. More of the details of their works were discussed in this research as supported by an interview with Representative Teddy Casino, representative of BAYAN MUNA.