CARTOON BY:AARON PAUL C. CARIL
EDITORIAL
A System in Crisis: Reclaiming the Lost Party-List Vision
The party-list system was meant to shake up Philippine politics—offering underrepresented sectors a real shot at lawmaking. But over time, it has drifted away from its original purpose. Instead of being a gateway for marginalized voices, it has become another tool for political dynasties, wealthy business interests, and influential power brokers. What was once designed to bring fairness and diversity to Congress is now reinforcing the very system it was supposed to challenge. Without major reforms, the party-list mechanism will continue to serve the elite rather than those who need it most.
When the 1987 Constitution introduced the party-list system, the goal was clear: give farmers, laborers, women, indigenous communities, and other underserved groups a place in government. The idea was to build a political landscape that focused on platforms and policies instead of personalities. Unfortunately, flaws in the system created openings for political players to take advantage of it. The 2013 Atong Paglaum decision further widened these gaps, allowing national and regional parties to enter the party-list race. This change, while increasing participation, also let powerful figures step in, pushing genuine grassroots movements aside.
Recent elections prove just how far the system has strayed. While some groups, like Trabaho, genuinely fight for labor rights, many party-list representatives come from well-established political families or corporate-backed organizations. These groups dominate elections through deep financial resources, strong political networks, and name recognition—leaving smaller advocacy-based groups struggling to compete. The party-list system was supposed to give the marginalized a voice, but today it functions as a way for traditional elites to expand their influence even further. Election watchdogs such as Kontra Daya have repeatedly flagged groups that fail to meet the spirit of the party-list system, yet they continue to gain seats.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has acknowledged these problems, with Chairman George Garcia calling for an overhaul of Republic Act No. 7941. Stricter qualifications must be set to ensure nominees genuinely represent the sectors they claim to speak for. An anti-dynasty provision is long overdue—without it, powerful families will continue using party-list seats as political extensions. Campaign finance regulations also need serious tightening to prevent money-driven campaigns from drowning out legitimate voices. If reforms don’t happen soon, the system will lose whatever credibility it still has.
Congress must act before entrenched political forces tighten their grip on the system even more. However, is there still hope for the party-list system to fulfill its original mission?
While legislative reform is the most direct approach, other efforts can help push for change. Civil society groups and election watchdogs must intensify their scrutiny, exposing party-list organizations that fail to represent marginalized communities. Public awareness campaigns can educate voters on how to distinguish genuine advocacy groups from political opportunists. More than ever, voters need to be discerning—supporting groups with clear sectoral ties and rejecting those that serve elite interests.
Beyond voting, strengthening electoral transparency and campaign finance regulations could help level the playing field. Reducing the influence of money politics and celebrity-driven campaigns would give grassroots movements a fair chance. The media also has a responsibility to call out abuses in the system while amplifying the voices of groups that align with its original purpose. Reclaiming the party-list system isn’t just about changing laws—it requires engaged citizens, responsible media, and relentless advocacy from reformers to bring it back in line with its democratic promise.