Manila: House of Representatives Deputy Minority Leader, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, has introduced a measure aimed at restoring the integrity of the party-list system by preventing its exploitation by opportunists and political operators.
According to Philippines News Agency, De Lima filed House Bill (HB) 7205, known as the 'Ang Totoong Party-List Act,' which seeks to amend Republic Act 7941, the 'Party-List System Act.' The bill intends to ensure that party-list seats are exclusively reserved for those who genuinely represent marginalized and underrepresented sectors.
"This bill aims to preserve the foundation of the party-list system as a genuine instrument of social justice, inclusivity, and democracy," said De Lima in a statement. She emphasized the importance of preventing impostors from using the party-list system to accumulate wealth, protect businesses, and strengthen political power.
HB 7205 outlines specific disqualifications for party-list nominees, including relations to incumbent elected officials within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, connections to government contractors, or being a government contractor or related to them within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.
To enhance transparency and accountability, the bill proposes a more stringent registration process for party-list groups. This includes an evidentiary public hearing before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to confirm that groups genuinely represent marginalized and underrepresented sectors and that their nominees truly belong to the sectors they aim to represent.
The measure also sets refined qualifications and timelines for nomination, ensuring nominees are genuine members of their parties and sectors, rather than political substitutes without authentic sectoral ties.
Additionally, HB 7205 prohibits party-list organizations from using names, abbreviations, or acronyms of government agencies, public figures, or popular media programs to prevent public confusion and misrepresentation.
A new ground for registration cancellation, termed 'manifest failure to represent,' is introduced in the bill. This is defined as an incumbent party-list representative's failure to file at least 50 percent of their legislative outputs on issues relevant to their constituency or sector in each Congress.
De Lima concluded by urging the implementation of the Constitution's true intent for the party-list system to amplify the voices of marginalized sectors, rather than allowing it to become a tool for traditional politicians and political dynasties to increase their wealth and power.
