Comelec chief echoes call for party-list system review on proclamation day

Comelec Chairman George Garcia on Monday reiterated his call to revisit and introduce reforms in the party-list system in the country as the poll body proclaimed 52 sectoral groups that won seats in the recently concluded 2025 national and local elections.

“Gaya ng anumang buhay na institusyon, ang sistemang ito ay patuloy na umuusbong. Sa paglipas ng panahon, ito'y naging paksa ng maraming hamon, pagsusuri, at reporma. At sa patuloy na pagbabago ng ating lipunan, umaasa kaming darating ang panahon na magkakaroon ng higit pang linaw, pag-unawa, at panibagong sigla sa pagpapatupad at pagsasabuhay ng layunin ng party-list system,” Garcia said in his speech before the official proclamation of partylist race winners. 

(Just like any active institution, the system continues to grow. As time passes, this is a topic that faces challenges, review, and reform. And as society continues to change, we hope that the time will come that there would be a clearer understanding and new vigor in implementing and embodying the purpose of the party-list system.)

The poll body chief emphasized the need to review the law on partylist system without disregarding the Supreme Court jurisprudence on the Atong Paglaum case.

“Habang kinikilala natin ang mga legal na paghubog ng sistema, naniniwala rin kaming nararapat itong suriin muli – hindi sa pagbatikos, kundi sa diwa ng kababaang-loob. Umaasa kaming ang pagsusuring ito ay magbunga sa isang sistemang lalong magsisilbi sa esensya ng representasyon, katarungan, at pagkakapantay-pantay,” he said.

(While we recognize the legal framing of the system, we also believe that it is approrpiate to review again - not to criticize, but in the spirit of humility. We are hoping that this review would result in a system that would serve the essence of representation, justice and equality.)

He then urged the newly elected party-list representatives to be their allies in advocating for a reformed party-list system.

“Kasabay ng aming taos-pusong pagbati, tangan din ninyo ang aming pag-asa: na ang sistemang ito ay patuloy ninyong pagyamanin – at lalo pang patatagin – para sa mga sektor na marahil ay higit na nangangailangan ng mas malakas na tinig sa pagbalangkas ng mga polisiya at batas,” Garcia said. 

(Together with heartfelt greetings, you also hold our hope: that you will continue contribute to the growth of this system and strengthen for the sector that needs your loud voice to formulate policy and laws.)

Garcia has long been calling for amendments to the Party-list Law to prevent political families and power brokers from abusing the law’s loopholes and easing out genuine representatives of the marginalized sector. — BAP, GMA Integrated News