Watchdog may seek reversal of SC’s party-list ruling

MANILA, Philippines — To restore the integrity of the party-list system, election watchdog Kontra Daya intends to seek reversal of the Supreme Court (SC) ruling allowing nominees not belonging to the marginalized sector.

“Kontra Daya is exploring all options, both in the court of law and court of public opinion,” said the group’s convenor Danilo Arao.

Arao said the group is set to hold a general assembly to assess the possibility of filing an appeal before the SC to reverse the ruling that had allegedly bastardized the party-list system in the country.

“The SC ruling in Paglaum vs. Comelec, which paved the way for the bastardization and corruption of the party-list system, will have to be reversed,” Arao noted.

Kontra Daya said the party-list system has become an extension of political dynasties since the SC ruled that party-list organizations do not need to organize along sectoral lines and do not need to represent “any marginalized and underrepresented” sectors.

The group earlier urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prevent political dynasties from extending their domain to the party-list system.

Kontra Daya noted that more and more political dynasties and those with vested interest have joined the party-list election.

The group plans to come out with comments on advocacies and nominees of at least 182 party-list groups, which filed their certificate of nomination and acceptance to be able to run in next year’s polls.