FROM the time he assumed the presidency in 2016 until now that he is about to finish his six-year term, President Rodrigo Duterte has consistently criticized the party-list system, saying it has been abused, particularly by rich politicians, who have managed to stay in power through this mechanism.

He spoke twice recently about his wish for the abolition of the party-list provision in the 1987 Constitution. In the March 30 episode of 'Talk to the People,' Duterte said the communist movement managed to infiltrate Congress through the party-list system.