Election watchdog National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has thrown its support behind proposed party-list reform measures in Congress, saying the system intended to empower marginalized sectors has instead been captured by political dynasties, wealthy elites, and vested interests.
For more than four decades, the group said it has witnessed how the seats intended for farmers, fisherfolk, laborers, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and the urban poor and other marginalized sectors have been occupied by individuals linked to political dynasties, government contracts, and wealthy families.
"This long-standing distortion must end," it added as it expressed its support to House Bill (HB) 9906 and Senate Bill (SB) 2090 as a significant step toward restoring the integrity of the party-list system.
The group expressed belief that both measures contained the needed reform reforms that would strengthen representation for marginalized sectors before the next election cycle.
