Some winning party-list groups agree that party-list system needs to be reviewed

Some winning party-list groups on Wednesday agreed that the party-list system must be reviewed.

Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) party-list Representative Eddie Villanueva, in an ambush interview before the proclamation of the winning party-list groups, said the party-list should not be used by people holding power for their own agenda.

"Tama, dapat may mga requirements. Kung ang party system ay ginagamit ng mga may political power, economic power, and all kinds of power in the society, the law should prohibit such," Villanueva said.

CIBAC obtained two seats at the House of Representatives.

He pointed out that the party-list system must be utilized by people who have "genuine concern" for the marginalized sector.

"Ang party system must only be allowed to genuine people who have genuine concern in advancing their advocacies like against corruption, poverty," Villanueva said.

"Marginilized sector nga eh kung mga multibillionaire naman so kontra na 'yun diba?" he added.

Buhay party-list Representative Lito Atienza also said the party-list law must be reformed. Atienza's party-list got one seat.

"Kailangan maraming mareporma sa party-list law... dapat merong grupo at 'yung grupo na 'yun magmeeting at pumili ng nominee para magkaroon ng tunay na kahulugan ang layunin ng Saligang Batas..." Atienza said.

1-PACMAN party-list Representative Mikee Romero also said there is nothing wrong with reforming the party-list system. The party-list obtained two seats.

"Oo, no problem... Dati kasi ang party-list ano na siya eh, pang-marginalized so nagevolve na siya into sectoral representation..." Romero said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the party-list system needs to be reviewed to find out if it still serves the purpose for which its creation was provided in the Constitution.

This came after National Youth Commission chairman Ronald Cardema's attemptto be recognized as a substitute nominee for the Duterte Youth party-list.

A total of 51 party-list groups won in the midterm elections. — BM, GMA News