MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed support for Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III’s proposal to amend the 30-year-old party-list law, saying the move is “timely and long been awaited.”

In an interview on Monday, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the poll body is ready to assist lawmakers in refining the measure. “This clarification and change are timely and long been awaited. We strongly support this bill,” Garcia said, referring to Senate Bill 192 filed by Sotto.

He added, “We have prepared recommendations,” but did not elaborate on the specifics.

The bill aims to realign the party-list system with its original purpose: ensuring genuine representation for marginalized and underrepresented groups.

A poll watchdog group, Kontra Daya, also welcomed the initiative. “Kontra Daya welcomes all initiatives to amend the 1995 party-list law that would ensure genuine representation of the marginalized and underrepresented, free from the hijacking and bastardization of the rich and powerful,” said Danilo Arao, convenor of the group.

Arao urged lawmakers to consider past data on party-list participation in previous elections, citing evidence that powerful interests have hijacked the system for their own benefit. “Our research provides empirical proof of how the rich and powerful have reduced the party-list system as mere additional seats that are theirs for the taking,” he said.

He added that the group is “ready to provide input and answer any queries from legislators like Sotto” to help restore the law’s original intent. (PNA)