Genuine advocacy within the party-list system

The 2025 midterm elections, one of the year's most anticipated events, has ignited political activity nationwide.

- Joe Zaldarriaga

As early as now, several issues have emerged, and among those facing scrutiny is the party-list system, fueled by the emergence of new groups claiming to represent various under-represented sectors of society.

For the upcoming elections, 156 groups will vie for 63 party-list seats—about 20 percent of Congress. Securing just two percent of the total votes guarantees a seat, with a maximum of three seats for those exceeding six percent. Originally designed by the 1987 Constitution to amplify marginalized voices in Congress, the party-list system has faced criticism for apparently straying from its original intent. Previously, the system catered to sectors like farmers, laborers, women, youth and indigenous peoples, with only religious groups excluded. However, a 2013 Supreme Court ruling opened the system to more diverse groups.

Since then, the system's promise of inclusivity has come under fire, with critics questioning its effectiveness in representing the marginalized. Instead of championing underserved Filipinos, such as persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, some argue that party-lists have turned into vehicles for political patronage and personal gain. This defeats the very purpose of the party-list system, which was meant to give voice to those who have none, and power to the sectors that need it most.