Solon seeks government subsidies for political parties

Opposition Sen. Edgardo Angara pushed yesterday for the passage of two measures that seek to strengthen the political party system through government subsidies for party expenditures, including those for campaigns.

Angara said the adoption of a political party law and complementary measure on campaign finance reforms would prevent the inflow of "dirty money," or contributions with vested interest during political campaigns.

"The two measures will overhaul the country’s weak political system and lead to the institutional development of a system with ideology, code of conduct and maturity," he said.

Angara brought up the two proposals at yesterday’s Kilosbayan Forum, where he talked about the critical role of the opposition and the current state of the Philippine party system.

Angara noted that the Philippines is the only country in ASEAN without a political party law – a deficiency that has weakened the political system and prevented the formation of parties based on shared commitment to certain principles.

Under the political party law, he explained, the state would be providing funds to parties of national character principally for operational expenses such as running a party’s headquarters and hiring of a professional staff and a secretariat.

Angara said the state subsidy would lead to the development of collective leadership, not just individual leadership, in the parties which would eventually translate to resources for political work.

He pointed out that opposition parties will greatly benefit from such a law since they will become less vulnerable to blandishment from the ruling party.

"The political opposition remains constrained by a lack of resources and foundation to have a more institutional role in national affairs. The opposition does not possess the foundation that a permanent political party would have," Angara said.

The senator said that despite severe limitations, the opposition has more than accomplished its three main tasks, namely: protection of the public against unresponsive and non-performing government; acting as mouthpiece of the disenfranchised; and serving as public watchdog against illegal and questionable actions by the administration.

Angara claimed the opposition’s vigilance has immensely contributed to the national welfare.

"The scenario of today has made the role of the opposition more relevant and crucial to national development and growth," he said.