Party-List System Faces Corruption and Challenges
The party-list system in the Philippines, once designed to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, has now turned into a playground for billionaires and political dynasties. This corruption has deeply affected its original purpose, as noted by a prominent advocacy group that recently failed to secure a seat in the House of Representatives after the latest election.
Despite the setback, the party-list remains committed to championing workers’ rights and consumer welfare, vowing to continue fighting for the masses. They stressed that the system has been exploited by elites who manipulate government assistance programs such as AICS, TUPAD, and AKAP to buy votes and influence election outcomes.
Corruption in the Party-List System
“The party-list system, once envisioned as a mechanism to give voice to the marginalized, has now been thoroughly corrupted,” the group declared. Instead of empowering the common people, the system is now dominated by political clans and wealthy individuals.
This takeover betrays the spirit of the party-list law, undermining the core principles of participatory democracy. Not only has this distortion limited genuine representation, but it has also fostered distrust among voters.
Election Glitches and Red-Tagging Impact Results
Moreover, the group pointed to technical problems with the automated election system, claiming these glitches further marginalized progressive parties and denied them seats they rightfully earned. They also cited widespread red-tagging and disinformation campaigns as significant factors that contributed to their loss.
In the recent elections, the party-list garnered only 160,458 votes, representing a mere 0.39% of the total votes cast in the party-list race. According to the Party-list System Act, a group must secure at least 2% of votes to claim one seat in the House of Representatives, with additional seats granted for every extra 2%, up to a maximum of three seats.
Legal Thresholds and Future Plans
The law also permits the Commission on Elections to cancel the registration of party-lists that fail to meet the 2% vote threshold in two consecutive elections. Despite this, the party-list remains undeterred and committed to their cause.
“Despite these setbacks, we remain undeterred. Bayan Muna will never be silenced. Our commitment to serve the Filipino people continues—inside or outside Congress. The struggle for land, wages, rights, and justice cannot be confined within parliamentary walls,” the group emphasized.
Continuing the Fight for the Masses
They promise their supporters and the Filipino public that their fight will persist. “To our supporters and the Filipino masses, we offer only one promise —tuloy ang laban. Bayan Muna will continue to be a voice for the voiceless, a defender of the oppressed, and a staunch advocate of genuine social change.”
The struggle for genuine representation and social justice through the party-list system continues, even as corruption and manipulation threaten its integrity. For more updates on this issue, visit Filipinokami.com.