The Party-List System of Proportional Representation is a relatively new addition to Philippine politics and particularly the country's electoral system. The new constitution was only introduced in 1987 and formalized by RA 7941 (Party List System Act) in 1995, to open legislative power to marginalized and underrepresented sectors or groups without well-defined political constituencies but who could contribute to the formulation of policies beneficial to the nation. (RA 7941 1995, Sec. 2) Since then, there have been various problems in the implementation of the statutory law and principles of the constitutional provision on the party-list system. Rodriguez and Velasco (1998, 36-48) and Tangkia and Habaradas (2001) listed a few: low voter turnout, COMELEC's ineffectiveness in disseminating public information, and confusing instructions for explain a new voting structure. However, one of the longest-standing issues concerns the distribution of seats, as RA 7941 does not provide a clear formula for translating votes into seats. (Rodriguez 2002, 25 and Rodriguez and Velasco 1998, 39) An allocation formula is one of the basic and most basic requirements of a party-list system. Ironically, the authors of the applicable law appear to have forgotten to include a clear attribution formula, even though it was addressed during deliberations on the original bills of RA 7941. The effects of its absence were more evident in the 1998 and 2007 elections. In 1998, 14 party-list seats have already been permanently filled through the "2-4-6 COMELEC formula." This formula provided for one seat for every 2% obtained by a party in list votes. For example, APEC got two seats with its 5.5%, but the ABA (second...... middle of document....... 2007. “The Party List System in the Philippines : Proportional Representation and Seat Allocation Errors" Discussion Paper. QC: Center for People's Empowerment in Governance/University of the Philippines. Republic Act 7941. 1995. “Party List System Act. » Rodriguez, Agustin Martin G. and Djorina Velasco 1998. The Rise of Democracy? Trials and Triumphs of the 1998 Party List Elections QC: Institute for Politics and Governance and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Rodriguez, Agustin Martin G. 2002. The Winding Road to Representation: The Philippine Party-List Experience of Government and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Tangkia, Fritzie Palma and Ma.AraceliBascoHabaradas 2001. “Party-List System: Friedrich's Philippine Experience -Ebert-Stiftung Philippines.http://www.library.fes.de/pdffiles. /bueros/philippinen/50076.pdf (November. 27, 2011).