DAVAO CITY — A survey found low awareness of the partylist system with more than half of the voters saying they did not find partylist groups useful.
In a survey conducted on April 5-11, the Institute for Popular Opinion (IPO) of the University of Mindanao (UM) showed 53 percent of the 1,240 respondents said that partylists are not beneficial to the people.
Dr. Adrian Tamayo, IPO specialist, added that 32 percent of them actually voted for partylist groups.
“The skeptics on the partylist are mostly from the senior citizens,” Tamayo said.
The IPO listed the following reasons why respondents had negative ideas regarding partylists:
· · Add to their confusion during election
· · No clear programs
· · Controlled by the rich and powerful
· · No projects delivered;
· · If they have one, these are not felt nor seen by the public
For those who found the partylist groups useful, Tamayo cited the programs espoused by the partylist groups for the welfare of the marginalized. It also noted that partylist groups represent the marginalized sector and provide opportunity for ordinary individuals to serve in the government.
Tamayo also shared that respondents were asked on what would best be done to the partylist.
He said that 8 percent indicated that it has to be changed, 26 percent said that it has to be scrapped while 29 percent signified that it has to be supported.
The list of the Commission on Elections includes 115 official party-list groups participating in the May 9 national elections. (davaotoday.com)
