The Roles of Political Parties

The Roles of Political Parties and Party-List System of the Philippines

Introduction

The Philippines, a country with a population of over 110 million, has a long history of democratic governance. The country's political system is modelled after the United States, with a presidential system and a bicameral legislature. One of the key features of the Philippine political landscape is the presence of numerous political parties and a party-list system. This module aims to explore the roles of political parties and the party-list system in the Philippines, examining their history, functions, and impact on the country's governance.

History of Political Parties in the Philippines

The Philippines has a long history of political parties, dating back to the early 20th century. The first major political party in the country was the Nacionalista Party, founded in 1907 by Manuel Quezon. The Nacionalista Party was a nationalist movement that sought to promote Philippine independence from the United States. The party dominated Philippine politics for several decades, producing several notable leaders, including Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmeña.

In the post-war period, the Philippines saw the emergence of new political parties, including the Liberal Party and the Philippine Democratic Party. The Liberal Party was founded in 1945 by Manuel Roxas, while the Philippine Democratic Party was founded in 1953 by Emmanuel Pelaez. These parties played important roles in shaping the country's politics, producing several notable leaders, including Diosdado Macapagal and Ferdinand Marcos.

The 1986 EDSA Revolution, which toppled the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos, marked a significant turning point in the history of Philippine political parties. The revolution led to the establishment of a new democratic government, which paved the way for the emergence of new political parties. The 1987 Constitution, which was ratified after the revolution, established a multi-party system, allowing for the registration of new political parties.

Roles of Political Parties in the Philippines

Political parties play important roles in the Philippines, including:

• Policymaking: Political parties are responsible for formulating and promoting policies that reflect the interests of their members and supporters.
• Candidate selection: Political parties select candidates to run in elections, ensuring that only qualified and capable individuals are fielded.
• Campaign financing: Political parties are responsible for financing the campaigns of their candidates, ensuring that they have sufficient resources to compete effectively.
• Legislative representation: Political parties are represented in the legislature, where they play important roles in shaping laws and policies.
• Opposition: Political parties provide opposition to the ruling party, ensuring that the government is held accountable for its actions.

Party-List System in the Philippines

The party-list system is a unique feature of Philippine politics, designed to promote proportional representation. Under the system, parties that receive at least 2% of the total votes cast are entitled to a seat in the House of Representatives. The system was established in 1995, with the passage of Republic Act 7941, also known as the Party-List System Act.

The party-list system has several key features, including:

• Proportional representation: The system is designed to promote proportional representation, ensuring that smaller parties have a voice in the legislature.
• Sectoral representation: The system allows for the representation of specific sectors, including labour, women, and indigenous peoples.
• National and regional parties: The system allows for the registration of national and regional parties, ensuring that parties with a strong local presence are represented.

Impact of the Party-List System

The party-list system has had a significant impact on Philippine politics, including:

• Increased representation: The system has increased representation for smaller parties and marginalized sectors, ensuring that their voices are heard in the legislature.
• Diversification of parties: The system has led to the diversification of parties, with a range of parties representing different interests and ideologies.
• Improved governance: The system has improved governance, ensuring that the government is more accountable to the people.

Challenges Facing the Party-List System

Despite its successes, the party-list system faces several challenges, including:

• Abuse of the system: Some parties have been accused of abusing the system, using it as a means to gain power and influence.
• Lack of transparency: The system has been criticized for lacking transparency, with some parties accused of hiding their true intentions and interests.
• Inequitable representation: The system has been criticized for providing inequitable representation, with some parties receiving more seats than others despite receiving fewer votes.

Conclusion

The roles of political parties and the party-list system are crucial in the Philippines, shaping the country's governance and politics. The party-list system, in particular, has been instrumental in promoting proportional representation and sectoral representation. However, the system faces several challenges, including abuse of the system, lack of transparency, and inequitable representation. To address these challenges, reforms are necessary, including the implementation of stricter regulations and the promotion of transparency and accountability.

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