Aksyon Demokratiko presidential bet Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso emphasized the need for the country to shift to a two-party system for smooth-sailing governance.

He also said during the second installment of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) “PiliPinas Debates 2022” on Sunday night that he prefers the election of two senators per region and supports the party-list system but it must have added safeguards.

He lamented that the party-list system is being used to exploit the poor and extend political dynasties.

“Napapanahon na, hinog na, na tayo’y bumalik sa two-party system. We elect the president. At the same time, ‘pag nanalo ‘yung presidente, para walang away ‘yung presidente’t bise presidente, sabay silang mananalo (It is high time for the country to return to two-party system. We elect the president and at the same time if he wins, his or her vice president also wins, they will both win, this way there will be no conflict between them),” Domagoso said.

He will likewise push for the election of two senators per region, for a total of 34, for equal representation.

“Labing-pitong rehiyon, dalawang senador bawat rehiyon para may talagang representasyon doon sa kanilang rehiyon. At ang isang ordinaryong nanay o tatay na nagsikap, nakapag-produce ng mabuting bata at magaling doon sa kanilang rehiyon ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon ng representasyon sa Senado (Seventeen regions, two senators each region so they will have true representation. And an ordinary mother or father who strive to raise a good son or daughter will have a chance in the Senate),” he said.

He expressed support for the continuation of the party-list representation but emphasized that there should be safeguards to avoid abuse and manipulation.

Party-list representatives should be voted by region to ensure proper representation from under-represented sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, urban and rural poor, and indigenous peoples living in far-flung provinces, the outgoing Manila mayor said.

“It has to be regionalized para malimitahan nang malimitahan ang Metro Manila, what they call the imperial Manila. Malimitahan nang malimitahan na ‘yung mayayaman sa Metro Manila, nag-e-elect, gumagawa ng party-list. So, makukuha natin ‘to, tingin ko, through people’s initiative (To limit Metro Manila. To avoid that the rich individuls in Metro Manila creating a party-list and getting elected. I think we can have this through people’s initiative,” he said.

“Are they really representing the marginalized? Are they really representing the intent of the law when it was crafted?” Domagoso asked. (PNA)