DATA A DAY:
Where’s the party(-list)?

THERE HAS BEEN A LOT of debate on the true nature of the party-list as defined by Republic ACt No. 7941 – so much debate, in fact, that the Supreme Court has reversed earlier rulings on the matter.

The Party-List System Act, signed by President Fidel V. Ramos into law on March 3, 2005, is meant to “enable Filipino citizens belonging to marginalized and under-represented organizations and parties, and who lack well-defined political constituencies but who could contribute to the formulation and enactment of appropriate legislation.. to become members of the House of Representatives.”

The law sounds pretty straightforward; however those familiar with the most recent ruling by the high tribunal would agree that nothing is as straightforward as it appears.

For today’s Data a Day:

Is the party-list system limited only to organizations or parties representing marginalized and under-represented sectors?

For the simple answer and the not-so-simple context, just check out the PCIJ’s MoneyPolitics website here.