OFW Party-List Seeks Review of Seat Allocation
The Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Party-list has filed a petition questioning the recent proclamation of winning party-lists, citing concerns over the lack of migrant worker representation in the upcoming 20th Congress. The party-list, which lost in the recent election, argues that the current seat allocation fails to reflect the voices of overseas Filipino workers and seafarers.
Leading the charge, outgoing OFW Party-list representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino submitted a Petition for Certiorari with a request for an urgent Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) before the Supreme Court. This move aims to stop the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc from enforcing National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) Resolution 14-25, which distributed 63 seats among winning party-lists on May 18.
Concerns Over Party-List Seat Allocation
Magsino emphasized that the issue transcends procedural matters and touches on protecting a system designed to uplift marginalized sectors. She stated, “This is no longer about procedure, it’s about preserving the integrity of a system designed to uplift the marginalized. What we’re witnessing is a systemic shift that undermines the principles behind the party-list mechanism.”
The petition also requests a full review and recalculation of the seat distribution to ensure fair representation. According to sources familiar with the matter, the current allocation has effectively silenced the voices of OFWs and seafarers, who are considered vital contributors to the country’s economy and society.
Voices of OFWs Demand Fair Representation
Joining Magsino were several overseas Filipino workers and seafarers who expressed their frustration over the perceived unfairness. Magsino passionately urged, “Ibalik ang boses ng mga OFW sa Kongreso. Ang ating party-list representation ay dapat patas at totoo!” (Bring back the voices of OFWs in the Congress. Our party-list representation must be fair and truthful.)
The petitioners turned to the Supreme Court because they believe it has the responsibility to safeguard the integrity of democratic institutions. “This petition is not just about a seat. It’s about the promise that this system once held for farmers, laborers, overseas workers, and other underrepresented groups. That promise is now at risk,” Magsino added.
For more news and updates on OFW party-list seat allocation, visit Filipinokami.com.