Urgent reforms needed in partylist law, says youth solon

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino today said that one of his group’s main legislative agenda is to reform the partylist law.

“The partylist system was established to empower the marginalized and not to serve as a backdoor entry for political dynasties,” Palatino said.

The youth solon earlier slammed the partylist bid of presidential son Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo. The young Arroyo is reportedly eyeing a partylist seat as a nominee for AGP, a partylist of security guards.

“There are already four Arroyos in the House of Representatives, and they are aiming for more seats through the partylist system. These Arroyos are not at all marginalized. They are neither balut vendors nor security guards but in fact belong to the most powerful family in the land.”

Another member of a prominent political clan eyeing a partylist seat is Energy Usec. Zamzamin Ampatuan who is reportedly running under partylist ADAM (Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika). He is the uncle of Datu Unsay Ampatuan and nephew of Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr.

Palatino also criticized the partylist bid of Energy Sec. Angelo Reyes who declared that he will be a nominee for transport group 1-Utak.

“This is getting out of hand. We should address this blatant abuse of the partylist law. We should protect and uphold the aims and objectives of the partylist system,” Palatino said.

Palatino reiterated the need for massive voter education, especially among first-time voters, with regard to the partylist system. ###