Party Poopers

I am aghast by the audacity of some groups who throw themselves in the national election arena as Party List candidates.

As far as I know, the Party List System was created to give the sectors representing the minorities in our society special seats in the House of Representatives to espouse their welfare and causes in the crafting of laws. But it is turning out to be just an avenue for power seekers to become honorable members of the House by disguising themselves as representing the marginalized sectors. Thus, we can see Party List candidates campaigning around the Metro with a caravan of SUVs bearing their election posters. How can these supposed marginalized sector organizations afford such means to support their campaign?

The term minority or marginalized has also been abused that even small segments of society whose interests are clearly not for the advancement of the common good can all of a sudden become one. For instance, I don’t think it is necessary to have representatives for professional and commercial associations in the House.

The COMELEC should weed out candidates for Party List which do not represent the real minorities. I even think the nominees should be among the minorities themselves to give authenticity to the party. And yes, the names of the nominees should be divulged for transparency.

Unless something is done to cure the loopholes in the Party List System, it will gradually become just a foolish exercise of representative government.