THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) adopted on Friday, May 13, a neutral position on the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to abolish the partylist system, including its election every three years.In a press conference, acting Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said it is not up to the poll body to decide on whether to abolish it or not.”These matters are within the wisdom and jurisdiction of Congress,” said Laudiangco.As far as the Comelec is concerned, he said they will simply comply with what is provided for by election laws.This, he explained, is because the commission has a constitutional mandate to administer all existing election laws.”For as long as there is that law providing for the partylist system, we will comply with that,” said Laudiangco.On Thursday, May 12, Duterte urged his would be successor to push for the abolition of the partylist system.Previously, the President assailed how it has been used by the rich and powerful to lobby for their interests in Congress.Duterte had also noted that the partylist system is being used by communist groups to penetrate Congress.For its part, poll watchdog Kontra Daya believes it would be better if the partylist system is merely amended instead of being abolished.”Kontra Daya’s position is to amend the Partylist System Act of 1995 to make it more consistent with the provision in the 1987 Constitution,” it said.”Amending the law can somehow help in changing the partylist system for the benefit for the marginalized and underrepresented,” added Kontra Daya. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)