The Urban Youths' Level of Knowledge of the Philippine Party-list System: A Critical Study of the Factors that Influenced the Urban Youths' Awareness of the Party-list System.

Abstract

Republic Act No. 7941 or the Parly-list System Law provides proportional representation in Congress to marginalized sector in our society including the Filipino youths. This study focused mainly on the Filipino youths, level of knowledge of the Philippine party-list system and the factors influencing the youths; moreover, how the Filipino youths' level of knowledge of the party-list system affects its right to representation in Congress. This study used the descriptive, explanatory and critical method of research. Survey research and sampling were utilized in the data gathering process as to ascertain the level of knowledge of the youth regarding the party-list system. Quota sampling was used in the selection of the sample of the population. Moreover, quota sampling was used in order for the sample to be as closely as possible a replica of the population. Survey questionnaires were disseminated in the Sampaloc area. Majority of the respondents were still studying in the college level or undergraduate courses. While most of the respondents were first time voters, those who have voted in previous elections majority of those didn't eventually vote for party-list groups. In addition, majority of the respondents said that they were slightly knowledgeable of party-list system. While the television was considered to be the primary media source of information regarding party-list system, the school is not an effective source of information for the youths. Majority of the respondents even said that they have read something about the party-list system. However, they were only knowledgeable or aware of the news and controversies surrounding the party-list groups not the essence of having a party-list system. Meanwhile, most of the respondents considered the COMELEC's efforts in information dissemination about the party-list system to be insufficient and ineffective. The urban youths' level of knowledge of the party-list system is low relating to the major findings of low participation of the youth in voting for party-list groups particularly those representing them as a sector. There is a need for political refund and proper voter education among the youth given the lack of awareness about the party-list system. Mainstream media, social institutions, civil society and the COM ELEC should take active part in raising awareness about the party-list system among the ranks of the Filipino youth.