The Party-list System and the Urban Poor: A Question of Adequate Representation

Abstract

This research seeks to determine the efficacy of the party-list system in providing adequate representation of the interests of the underrepresented and marginalized sectors, specifically the urban poor, in legislation and governance. This was accomplished by analyzing the legal framework of the party-list system, the results of the party-list elections, the performance of the urban poor party-list representatives, and the perception of the urban poor population on this innovative representation scheme. The flawed Party-list System Act, the lackluster performance of urban poor organizations in the party-list elections, the virtual zero legislative output of the urban poor party-list representatives, and the dismal perception on this system of representation by the urban poor constituency all combine to reflect the failure of the party-list system to provide adequate representation of the urban poor interests in legislation The improvement of the party-list system, through establishment of the necessary legal and structural foundations, and developments in the organization, structure and membership of the participating political and sectoral groups are advocated so as to ensure the proper functioning of this scheme of proportional representation.