A view on the Philippine Party List System

THE PLURALIST THEORY AND THE FUTURE OF MINORITY LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION IN PHILIPPINE ELECTIONS.

By: Ferdinand D. Caramto
Vice President and Spokesperson, COURAGE-Cordillera


Often times the marginalized sector of society are not properly represented in the activities of the state. History reveals that in most cases only the rich , the educated and the famous have access in the political arena of most nations. Political dynasties have maintained power in many countries for decades. Those who gain power usually originates from the upper echelon of society creating a strong impression and belief that political power is only for the few and the privileged. Power lies in the hands of those who have the gold, the guns and the goons. The ruling class are neither made nor nurtured, they are born from the selected few and political positions come to them in a silver platter.

The lack of opportunity and representation of the underprivileged sector in the political field either unite the people for the common good or bring chaos in the activities of the state. Since people believe that political power is only in the hands of the few elites, alliance among smaller groups sharing similar goals, objectives and ideologies grows. This strengthens their stand and find their way to power. Others who find themselves helpless in the representation resort to some radical actions leading to armed struggle against the government . This is evident in the third world countries .

As the different political theories used in the past slowly deteriorates with the passage of time , pluralism which is characterized by Martin Smith as normative and seen as the best form of government is now practiced by almost every nation all over the world. Since the collapse of communism in the west and with the withering of other ism theories , the pluralist view has been adapted in governmental processes. Representations from the middle and lower classes have started to emerge regardless of their ideologies in the spectrum. Its becoming into practice coupled with the belief that the state is neutral and that societal groups are potentially equal in their influence gave some stress to the famous words of Abraham Lincoln: a government of the people, for the people and by the people.

Countries are now conscious of societal demand on pluralism to achieve reform and national survival. Political exclusivity has been slowly eradicated and movements for more social group, ethnic group and occupational group has been encouraged. Democratic pluralism in the bigger politic is even more important whether given or political and cultural diversity as a nation. It enables peaceful debate and representation of diverse ideas.

The spirit of shared responsibility is present. Since the state does not exist for itself nor for those in power, then it exists for all the people living within it and has equal opportunity to be heard, to vote and be voted upon . Diversity which is the key feature of pluralism as Martin Smith points out makes the state free from monopoly of power and that no single group, class or organization can dominate society.

THE PHILIPPINE SETTING:

A) The Sovereign

The country has never experienced any monarchial authority except an indirect rule during the Spanish colonization from the 17th to the 19th century . Sovereignty resides in the people, power emanates from them and civilian authority is at all time supreme over the military (1987, Philippine Constitution).

B) The Executive

The Philippines is a republican state with a president and a vice president who are elected at large with a six years term each. The president elect is restricted to run for reelection after one term. As the chief executive, he is also the commander in chief of the armed forces and heads the executive department. Unlike in the parliamentary system, the president has the prerogative to appoint members of the cabinet. Cabinet members may either come from the public or private sector. It is not mandatory that cabinet members must come from the elected members of congress. However, no member of congress appointed to a cabinet position may hold any other office or entity in the government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality including government owned and controlled corporations. Once appointed, he must resign his post in the legislative department.

C) The Legislative Department

The country has a bicameral form of legislation. Its constitution provides that legislation shall be vested in the congress which is composed of the senate and house of representatives. Like the president and the vice president , the senate which consists of 24 members are elected at large. The house of representatives has a total of 250 members, 200 members are elected from the different legislative districts in accordance with the number of their respective inhabitants. 50 members or twenty percent (20%) of the house are from the party-lists who represent the labour, peasants, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth and other sectors recognized by law, except the religious sector. A party list will be allotted one representative for every two percent (2%) garnered from the total votes cast with a maximum of three (3) party representatives for every party list.

According to latest COMELEC records, there are more than 80 national and local political parties qualified to vie for the electoral seats while more than 60 party lists compete in the party list representation.

At first glance the conditions of pluralistic democracy has been applied in the governmental system of the country especially in its electoral process. First, people have all the chance to choose their national and local leaders or representatives. Second, debates are free and there is wide dispersal of political power among competing groups. Third, the degree of internal responsiveness of leaders being accountable to its members is present. Lastly, the assumption that government is neutral in its facilities and opportunities is fragmented to offer groups a number of access is also present.

On a second look , the question on whether or not the people were really properly represented is vague. While it is true that all electoral districts are free to choose their representatives to congress, running for a position is not an easy one. With the stereotype political culture, candidates who have more money to spend during the election campaigns have greater chances of winning while the chances of the less moneyed minorities are dim. People has the tendency to vote for the rich and the famous rather than based on merits , platforms and issues.

Nevertheless, the party list system which starts to mature in Philippine politics and is prescriptive in nature is gaining support. Almost all the major sector of society are represented. It is however sad to note that the 50 member slot were not completely filled-up as only few party list were able to garner the two percent (2%) majority vote limit. As more party lists compete in the process, votes are splintered resulting to non-representation.

However, the issue on whether or not the pluralist theory has full effect in the country’s political system maybe answered in the affirmative. With the introduction of the party list system, equal access to political power can be presumed. To borrow the words of one of the prominent pluralists Robert Dahl, “ Although the politically privileged and economically powerful exerted greater power than the ordinary citizen, no ruling or permanent elite was able to dominate the electoral process”. No nation has the record of having all sectors of society being fully represented.

Also, with the wide discretion of authority of the president to appoint members of the cabinet and the judiciary, it is not remote that competent leaders from the minority may assume key positions.

Los Valientes.

Este sitio es para los valientes empleados del gobierno de Filipinas.



MGA KABABAYAN, ANG PAMBANSANG AWIT NG PILIPINAS!

(Countrymen, The Philippine National Anthem!)

LUPANG HINIRANG


Bayang magiliw,Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso, Sa Dibdib mo'y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang,Duyan ka ng magiting
Sa manlulupig,'Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok, Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tulaAt awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya, Kailan pa ma'y 'di magdidilim.
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa 'yo.



( English? version)
Beloved Country



Pearl of the Orient,
The burning [fervour] of the heart,
In thy chest is ever alive.
Chosen Land, Thou art the cradle of the brave.
To the conquerors, Thou shall never surrender.
In the seas and mountains,In the air and in thy sky of blue,
There is splendour in the poem
And [in the] song for freedom beloved.
The sparkle of thy flag
Is victory that shines.
Its stars and sun
Forever shall never dim.
Land of the sun, of glory and our love
Life is heaven in thy embrace;It is our joy,
when there are oppressors,
To die because of thee.




( Spanish version)

TIERRA ADORADA



Tierra adorada. Hija del sol de Oriente.
Su fuego ardiente En ti latiendo esta.
Patria de amores!Del heroismo cuna,
Los invasores, No te hallaran jamas.
En tu azul cielo, en tus auras
En tus montes y en tu mar
Esplende y late el poema
De tu amada libertad.
Tu pabellon, que en las lides
La victoria ilumino
No vera nunca apagados
Sus estrellas y su sol.
Tierra de dichas, del sol y amores
En tu regazo dulce es vivir.
Es una gloria para tus hijos,
Cuando de ofenden, por ti morir.