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.
