Dy files party-list reform bill to ensure genuine representation

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Faustino Dy III has filed a party-list reform bill so that the system will reflect genuine representation of marginalized sectors in the House of Representatives.

The proposed New Party-List System Act, or House Bill (HB) No. 9906, which Dy filed on Monday, seeks to replace Republic Act No. 7941, introducing reforms to ensure that party-list groups will adhere to the constitutional vision of broadening democratic participation.

“Through the passing of years, it has become clear to us what the weaknesses of the party-list system are, which have caused it to stray from its original intent. Through this bill, we want to return the system to its true aim — to become a way for marginalized sectors to be heard and participate,” Dy said in Filipino.

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“The party-list system was created to open the doors of Congress to Filipinos and communities whose voices are not always heard in traditional politics,” he added.

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According to the explanatory note of the bill, the party-list system has expanded participation in the legislative process over the past three decades, but questions have emerged regarding the authenticity of some organizations claiming to represent sectors, advocacies, or communities.

Bill provisions

To address these concerns, the bill establishes three categories of party-list representation:

sectoral representation for marginalized and underrepresented sectors

advocacy representation for civic and public policy organizations

regional representation for geographic regions and ethno-linguistic communities

The other provisions in the bill include:

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It calls for a Genuine Representation Requirement and Verification Process, requiring party-list organizations to prove that they genuinely represent their sectors.

It will empower the Commission on Elections to evaluate an organization’s membership base, leadership participation, advocacy record, and organizational presence in the communities concerned.

Organizations claiming sectoral representation must show genuine affiliation with the sector they represent.

Advocacy organizations must demonstrate a verifiable record of civic or policy work.

Regional organizations must prove sustained presence within the regions or ethno-linguistic communities they seek to represent.

It requires party-list organizations to maintain continuing public service, advocacy, and constituency engagement, and to submit regular reports documenting their activities and outreach efforts.

“It’s our goal to ensure that representatives truly originate from, participate in, and have a deep interaction with the communities or sectors that they represent,” Dy said.

The measure, he added, is part of a broader package of electoral and political reforms being advanced by the House “to strengthen democratic institutions, improve public trust in government, and expand opportunities for meaningful participation in governance.”

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He stressed that ensuring that party-list organizations maintain genuine links with the communities they represent is essential to preserving public confidence in the system.

“When the interaction of party-list organizations with their sectors and communities becomes stronger, their representation will become more meaningful, and our democracy will be more stable,” he said.

The bill is a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measure.

Dy filed it with several other lawmakers:

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members of the Party-List Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI), led by Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr. of TGP Party-list

Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list

Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza of TUCP Party-list

Rep. Terry Ridon of CWS Party-list

Rep. Brian Poe of FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list

Rep. JC Abalos of 4Ps Party-list

Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan of 4Ps Party-list

/atm