Hontiveros pushes party-list reforms vs dynasties

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros and Akbayan Party have filed bills aiming to overhaul the Philippine party-list system, targeting abuses by political dynasties and contractors.

Hontiveros’ Senate Bill No. 1656 seeks to bar political dynasties from participating in the party-list system and prevent nominees or representatives with government contract interests from holding office.

A counterpart measure, House Bill No. 7074, was filed by Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Dadah Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.

“Kung gusto nilang rumaket, huwag nilang gamitin ang party-list system. This bill aims to reclaim the voice of ordinary Filipinos,” Hontiveros said, criticizing individuals using the system as a backdoor to power.

Diokno emphasized the bills’ aim to restore the law’s original intent and ensure marginalized sectors maintain a genuine voice in Congress.

The proposals also seek to:

• • Ban registration of party-list organizations modeled after TV/radio programs, government aid initiatives, or the names of celebrities and public officials.
  • Remove the current three-seat cap, allowing proportional representation based on actual public support.

According to a Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report, 66% of party-lists in the 19th Congress included nominees from political dynasties.

Congressional probes have also revealed party-list representatives benefiting directly from government projects, creating conflicts of interest.

“Someone who votes on infrastructure budgets while their company bids on those same projects is a scammer. After decades of abuse, these reforms return power to ordinary Filipinos,” Hontiveros added.