Anak Mindanao (AMIN) on Party List Law Overhaul

In the light of the debate on the Party List Law, we, from the marginalized Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party List commend and support the statement and even actions of COMELEC Chair Sixto Brillantes to review and improve the Party List Law or the Republic Act 7941.

It would be a bold move to have it done, since the Party List Law have been abused and jeopardized by political clans and dynasties and political parties pushing more the marginalized sectors and sections of the society beyond the margin. With the current Supreme Court ruling allowing Political Parties to participate in the Party List election, we agree with Commissioner Brillantes that it would give a hard time for Party Lists of the marginalized in competing with the elite and powerful political parties, at the same time it undermines the real essence of the Party List Law.

For the marginalized Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party List, it is also important to note that amendments to the Law must include the power of the Party Lists to recall their nominees in cases like the Party Lists lost their trust and confidence over their representatives; the strict restrictions on dynasties or family-run Party Lists; and the clear definition of marginalized sectors.

This is one of the priority agenda of Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party List of the marginalized in its campaign. To win or not in the 2013 Elections AMIN Party List of the marginalized will join the general public and support any action to review and propose amendments to the Party List System Election Law.

The issue on Charter Change in relation to the abolition of the Party List representations also is tantamount to silencing the marginalized to be heard and propose alternatives, policies and legislations for their benefit as sectors. On the other hand, ChaCha should be carefully looked into since elitist interests are just waiting in the sideline to grab opportune moments at their advantage.

We call on all democratic forces in Mindanao and the whole country to be more critical and vigilant in the proposals of the current administration or even candidate. We have that duty to fulfil, to safeguard our democratic rights and our future.

Elizabeth Padilla

National President

Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party List

April 12, 2013

anakmindanaopl@gmail.com