Sotto files bill to realign party-list system

Senator Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III filed a bill to amend the Party-List System Act, aiming to realign it with the 1987 Constitution's original intent of representing marginalized and underrepresented groups in the House of Representatives.

Sotto argues that the current interpretation of the party-list system has expanded beyond its intended purpose, allowing it to be used for non-governmental interests.

The Supreme Court's rulings since 1998 have permitted regional political parties and sectoral arms of national parties to participate in the party-list race.

Sotto's proposed bill includes new grounds for canceling the registration of party-list groups, such as failure to represent marginalized sectors and participation in actions harmful to the government.

The 1987 Constitution designated 20% of House of Representatives seats for representatives of labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous communities, women, youth, and other sectors, excluding the religious sector.