Lacson says time to scrap ‘bastardized’ party-list system

Panfilo Lacson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Senator Panfilo Lacson backed the abolition of the party-list system, saying the system had been “bastardized” and did not truly represent the marginalized sectors.

“I agree with the President. It’s about time we abolish the party-list system,” Lacson said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel’s morning show “Headstart” on Monday.

“Medyo na-bastardize ang party-list system (The party-list system has been bastardized)…Na-bastardize na in such a way na di na talaga (It has been bastardized in such a way that they are not) representing marginalized sectors of our society in the country.”

“Of course, we may consider guards as marginalized pero marami nang nangyari, nag-evolve ang party-list system (but a lot has happened, the party-list system has evolved) and they are not representing any particular district. Sabihin nating na-defeat ang purpose (Let us say the purpose has been defeated),” the senator added.

Lacson made the remarks when sought for comment on President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that he would insist on the abolition of the party-list system.

“With a new Constitution, I will insist: no party-list,” Duterte was quoted in media reports as saying while talking about amending the 1987 Constitution.

The President decried that some party-list groups had “abused” the system. RAM/rga

READ: Duterte wants to scrap party-list system