Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Representative Leila de Lima on Tuesday filed House Bill (HB) 7205, or the “Ang Totoong Party-List Act,” seeking to amend Republic Act 7941 to restore the integrity of the party-list system and prevent its exploitation by political dynasties and opportunists.
De Lima said the measure aims to ensure that party-list seats remain reserved for 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. Hindi dapat bigyan ng puwang sa Kongreso ang mga huwad at nagpapanggap na party-list na ang tunay na pakay ay magpayaman, protektahan ang negosyo at palakasin ang poder ng pamilya at ng kanilang mga kaalyado sa politika,” she said.
The bill sets disqualifications for nominees related to incumbent officials within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, or those linked to government contractors within the second degree.
It also strengthens registration by requiring evidentiary hearings before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to verify sectoral representation.
HB 7205 refines nomination rules to ensure nominees are bona fide members of their sectors, prohibits party-list groups from using names or acronyms of government agencies, programs, or public figures, and introduces “manifest failure to represent” as grounds for cancellation of registration.
“We must strengthen our democratic institutions, making them truly representative of the best interests of our people by preventing opportunists and their political operators from weaponizing and undermining the party-list system to further marginalize those who are already marginalized,” de Lima said.
She added:
“Let us implement the true intent of the Constitution – for the party-list system to serve as a platform for marginalized sectors to be heard, not as a platform for traditional politicians and political dynasties to consolidate wealth and power.”