Perspectives of the Reform-Minded on the Political Party Reform Legislation

This paper aims to put together the thinking, discussions and debates of the reform-minded societal groups on the proposed Political Party Reform Bill based on the activities initiated by the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) with support from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in the Philippines. It is a way of summarizing the discussion and debates that the said proposed legislation had ensued among circles of reform-oriented groups and formations. In particular, this paper presents the following:

• The main arguments of civil society reform groups on the proposed political party reform bill;
• The points of disagreements and consensus of reform groups;
• Some initiatives that partner with the legislative efforts on political party reform; and
• Recommendations to move the party reform initiatives forward.

This synthesis paper will try to integrate data obtained from a roundtable discussion held last April 15, 2008 and the subsequent monitoring activity.

This is a chapter by Aceron and Leonillo in the book, Reforming the Philippine Political Party System: Ideas and Initiatives, Debates and Dynamics.