Proportional Representation in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the party-list system functions as a method of proportional representation to elect members to the House of Representatives. This system guarantees equitable representation for various sectoral groups and political parties within the legislature. Voters select a particular party-list group, and the number of seats each group obtains is based on their share of the votes and their ranking in the election. The total number of seats allocated is determined by the number of seats available in the House of Representatives for that election period.
Party-list representation in the House of Representatives of the Philippines allocates 20% of its seats through a proportional representation system, contrasting with the majority of seats filled by a first-past-the-post method. Initially designed for marginalized sectors like labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, and others (excluding religious groups), its scope was broadened by a 2013 Supreme Court ruling to encompass diverse groups and parties.
Since its inception in 1998, determining eligible parties, selecting nominees, conducting elections, and distributing seats have sparked disputes, leading to pivotal decisions by both the COMELEC and the Supreme Court.
In party-list elections, voters endorse parties rather than individual candidates (closed list). Seats are allotted based on descending order of votes, with parties securing at least 2% of the national vote earning one seat, supplemented by a formula linked to their overall vote share. No party may claim more than three seats. If sectoral representation falls short of 20%, additional seats go to top-ranked parties that did not secure seats.
This framework accommodates single-issue parties typical of proportional representation, enabling underrepresented sectors to advocate in legislative processes alongside district representatives. It offers voters dual choices without affecting each other's outcomes.
Halalan 2022: Comelec rejects over 120 party-list groups, 100 file appeal
Jauhn Etienne Villaruel, ABS-CBN News
Published Nov 17, 2021 04:13 PM PHT
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has rejected over 120 applications for party-list registration ahead of the 2022 national elections.
>https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/07/21/businessman-seeks-partylist-house-for-underprivileged
In a tweet Wednesday, Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon revealed the poll body junked the application of 126 party-list groups.
She said "126 applicants for party-list registration were denied by Comelec. More than 100 of denied applicants filed motion for reconsideration."
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Personalities with NTF-ELCAC ties vie for partylist seats in #Halalan2022
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Comelec's deadline to register a party-list group ended on March 31, 2021.
During the period to file certificates of candidacy and nominations, 270 party-list groups filed their candidacies to join the Halalan 2022 race pending approval of their registration petitions.
On Oct. 20, Comelec released an initial list of 118 existing party-list groups given accreditation and 53 newly-formed ones granted fresh registration.
Guanzon said the poll body will finish hearing the rejected groups' appeals by Dec. 6 before they finalize who will make the 2022 ballot.
"Must finish by Dec. 6 Final date for ballot prep Dec. 15," she said.
Among the notable newly-formed party-list groups seeking accreditation are Mothers for Change (MOCHA) of Mocha Uson and Malasakit Movement of Celine Pialago.
The partylist system was conceived as a means to empower marginalized and under-represented sectors of society.
However, in the previous decades, political dynasties, billionaires, and other members of powerful clans have entered the system, with analysts and election experts calling for overhaul.
KBL PARTYLIST STORY
Founding and Vision
Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL), which translates to the New Society Movement, was founded by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on November 24, 1978. The party was established with a vision to transform the Philippines into a self-reliant, progressive nation characterized by unity, prosperity, and a strong sense of national identity. KBL sought to create a "Bagong Lipunan" or New Society, where social justice, economic development, and political stability were paramount.
Historical Context
During the martial law period (1972-1981) under President Marcos, KBL played a pivotal role in shaping the country's political landscape. The party promoted a centralized and authoritarian form of governance, which it argued was necessary to implement widespread reforms and suppress threats to national security. While controversial and heavily criticized for its approach to governance and human rights, KBL implemented significant infrastructure projects and economic programs aimed at modernizing the Philippines.
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