SC adopts new parameters in the qualification of sectoral parties under the party-list system.

The framers of the 1987 Constitution intended the party-list system to include not only sectoral parties but also non-sectoral parties. The framers intended the sectoral parties to constitute a part, but not the entirety, of the the party system. The framers of the 1987 Constitution expressly rejected the proposal to make the party-list system exclusively for sectoral parties only. It is the firm notion of the framers that party-list system will be the entry point to membership in the House of Representatives for these non-traditional parties that could not compete in the legislative district elections. Undeniably, both sectoral and non-sectoral parties are included in the party-list system, as clearly stated in Section 5(1), Article VI of the Constitution. The party-list system is composed of three (3) different groups: (1) National parties or organizations; (2) Regional parties or organizations; and (3) Sectoral parties and organizations. National and Regional parties or organizations need not be recognized along sectoral lines and need not represent any particular sector. A sectoral party refers to an organized group of citizens belonging to "labor, peasant, fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous cultural minorities, elderly, handicapped, women, youth, veterans, overseas workers and professionals," (Section 5, RA7941). The sectors aforementioned are not necessarily marginalized and under-represented. However, these sectors may "lack well-defined political constituencies" and can therefore organize themselves into sectoral parties in advocacy of the special interests and concerns of their respective sectors. It is enough that their principal advocacy pertains to the special interest of the sector they represent.