A senator has filed the “Party-List Reform Act” (Senate Bill No. 1559), a measure designed to shield Congress from the influence of political dynasties and powerful corporations, while strengthening the representation of ordinary Filipinos.
The proposed bill from Senator Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV seeks sweeping reforms in a party-list system long criticized as ineffective and easily exploited—sentiments intensified by public outrage over issues such as the flood control fund controversy.
“Mataas yung galit, mataas yung outrage… but to really push for systemic changes. It didn’t just fail? Took advantage. Yes. It took advantage of all the blind spots, loopholes,” Aquino said.
Watchdog Kontra Daya earlier reported that 86 of 156 party-list groups in the previous elections were linked to political clans or business interests.
Aquino said the public is weary of band-aid solutions and is demanding structural integrity in governance—whether in institutions or in infrastructure.
“They want to see a systemic change. They want to see changes that will last,” he added.
The “Party-List Reform Act” proposes tighter safeguards to strengthen democratic representation. It requires the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct public evidentiary hearings to confirm whether party-list groups genuinely represent the sectors they claim to serve.
The bill also disqualifies nominees who are related within the third degree to any sitting elected official. Individuals who are—or have been—government contractors or officers of companies involved in public projects will likewise be barred from running, a move intended to curb conflicts of interest common in infrastructure and flood control initiatives.
SB No. 1559 also extends key deadlines, increasing the registration period for party-list groups from 90 to 120 days before elections and requiring the certified list of eligible organizations to be released 90 days prior, instead of 60.
Aquino called on the public and his colleagues in Congress to remain vigilant, emphasizing that the measure is not about adding bureaucracy but about ensuring genuine representation for Filipinos.
“‘Yung at that point na nangailangan yung bayan, hindi ka naduwag. Tumayo ka, tumindig. Binigay mo yung lahat ng makakaya mo and you offered genuine and real solutions for our people,” he said.
