The Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently revoked the registration of An Waray Party List, a political organization that represented the Waray-speaking people of Eastern Visayas.
The decision came after the Comelec found An Waray Party List guilty of violating the party list system's rules and regulations and issues traced some 10 years back.
According to the Comelec, An Waray Party List failed to comply with the 2 percent threshold requirement to secure a seat in the House of Representatives. The party list also did not provide substantial evidence that it represented a marginalized and underrepresented sector, which is the primary objective of the party list system.
The decision to revoke An Waray Party List's registration is not new. In fact, this is not the first time that the organization faced a challenge to its legitimacy.
In 2010, An Waray Party List was also disqualified from participating in the elections due to similar violations. However, the Supreme Court overturned the Comelec's decision and allowed the party list to participate in the 2010 elections.
The recent decision of the Comelec to revoke An Waray Party List's registration is a reminder that the party list system is not a vehicle for political dynasties or personal interests. It is meant to represent the marginalized and underrepresented sectors of society.
The decision sends a clear message to other political organizations that the Comelec will enforce the rules and regulations of the party list system and will not hesitate to revoke the registration of those who violate them.
Moreover, the revocation of An Waray Party List's registration should not be taken as a setback for the Waray-speaking people of Eastern Visayas. They still have other representatives in the House of Representatives, and that they can still participate in the electoral process through other means.
The recent decision of the Comelec is a victory for the party list system and a reminder that the system is a vital tool for marginalized and underrepresented sectors. It is crucial for the system's integrity to be preserved and protected to serve its intended purpose.