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Advocates Philippines
Speaker Dy Pushes Reforms To Keep Political Dynasties Out Of Party-List System
Photo credit: Congress PH
Speaker of the House Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III is seeking major changes to the country's party-list system, proposing stricter rules aimed at preventing political dynasties, conflicts of interest, and the influence of powerful political and business groups.
Under House Bill No. 9906, also known as the proposed New Party-List System Act, individuals closely related to incumbent senators and congressmen, government contractors, and certain former elected officials could be barred from serving as party-list nominees.
The measure, which has been identified as a priority bill by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), forms part of the administration's broader push for electoral reforms.
According to Dy, the party-list system was originally designed to give underrepresented sectors and communities a voice in Congress—not to provide another avenue for political families to expand their influence.
"The party-list system should remain true to its purpose of broadening representation and ensuring that marginalized groups have meaningful participation in the legislative process," the Speaker said.
The proposed legislation comes amid concerns that some party-list organizations have gradually fallen under the control of traditional political interests, allowing established political figures and dynasties to gain seats in Congress through an alternative route.
One of the bill's key provisions would disqualify individuals who are related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to sitting members of the Senate or House of Representatives from becoming party-list nominees or representatives.
The measure also seeks to prevent conflicts of interest by barring incumbent elected officials and individuals who have received government contracts, franchises, concessions, or public-private partnership agreements within five years before an election. Corporate officers and controlling shareholders of companies holding government contracts would face similar restrictions.
To further limit political influence, former elected officials and unsuccessful candidates would be required to undergo a one-election-cycle cooling-off period before they can qualify as party-list nominees.
The bill also introduces stronger transparency and accountability measures. Party-list groups would be required to certify that they are not directly or indirectly controlled by political dynasties and have no ties to individuals with business interests in government contracts.
In addition, organizations would have to maintain financial records, submit annual financial reports, and disclose major donations and contributions. The Commission on Elections would be empowered to conduct audits and impose sanctions on groups that fail to comply.
The proposed law complements the recently approved Anti-Political Dynasty Act, which has already passed on third reading in the House.
Supporters of the measure say the reforms are intended to strengthen public trust in the party-list system, broaden opportunities for genuine sectoral representation, and ensure that democratic institutions remain open and accessible to a wider range of Filipinos.
If enacted, the New Party-List System Act could significantly reshape the way party-list organizations operate and who gets to represent them in Congress.
Under House Bill No. 9906, also known as the proposed New Party-List System Act, individuals closely related to incumbent senators and congressmen, government contractors, and certain former elected officials could be barred from serving as party-list nominees.
The measure, which has been identified as a priority bill by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), forms part of the administration's broader push for electoral reforms.
According to Dy, the party-list system was originally designed to give underrepresented sectors and communities a voice in Congress—not to provide another avenue for political families to expand their influence.
"The party-list system should remain true to its purpose of broadening representation and ensuring that marginalized groups have meaningful participation in the legislative process," the Speaker said.
The proposed legislation comes amid concerns that some party-list organizations have gradually fallen under the control of traditional political interests, allowing established political figures and dynasties to gain seats in Congress through an alternative route.
One of the bill's key provisions would disqualify individuals who are related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to sitting members of the Senate or House of Representatives from becoming party-list nominees or representatives.
The measure also seeks to prevent conflicts of interest by barring incumbent elected officials and individuals who have received government contracts, franchises, concessions, or public-private partnership agreements within five years before an election. Corporate officers and controlling shareholders of companies holding government contracts would face similar restrictions.
To further limit political influence, former elected officials and unsuccessful candidates would be required to undergo a one-election-cycle cooling-off period before they can qualify as party-list nominees.
The bill also introduces stronger transparency and accountability measures. Party-list groups would be required to certify that they are not directly or indirectly controlled by political dynasties and have no ties to individuals with business interests in government contracts.
In addition, organizations would have to maintain financial records, submit annual financial reports, and disclose major donations and contributions. The Commission on Elections would be empowered to conduct audits and impose sanctions on groups that fail to comply.
The proposed law complements the recently approved Anti-Political Dynasty Act, which has already passed on third reading in the House.
Supporters of the measure say the reforms are intended to strengthen public trust in the party-list system, broaden opportunities for genuine sectoral representation, and ensure that democratic institutions remain open and accessible to a wider range of Filipinos.
If enacted, the New Party-List System Act could significantly reshape the way party-list organizations operate and who gets to represent them in Congress.
Jun 23, 2026
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