A measure filed in the House of Representatives seeks to disqualify government contractors, incumbent officials, and close relatives of lawmakers from becoming party-list nominees, in a bid to curb political dynasties and conflicts of interest in the system.
House Bill 9906 or the proposed New Party-List System Act introduces stricter eligibility rules aimed at preventing traditional political interests from gaining access to party-list seats.
Under the proposal, individuals related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to sitting senators or members of the House would be barred from being nominated or serving as party-list representatives.
The bill also prohibits incumbent elective officials, government contractors, franchise holders, and beneficiaries of public-private partnerships within the past five years from seeking nomination.
Former elective officials and candidates would likewise be required to observe a one-election-cycle cooling-off period before qualifying as party-list nominees.
Party-list organizations would also be required to certify that they are not directly or indirectly controlled by political dynasties and have no ties to individuals with financial interests in government contracts.
The measure mandates stronger transparency rules, including regular submission of financial statements and disclosure of major contributions, with the Commission on Elections authorized to conduct audits and impose sanctions for violations.
Lawmakers backing the proposal said the reforms are intended to restore the party-list system’s original purpose of representing marginalized sectors rather than serving as an alternative path for political families and entrenched interests.
The bill is part of a broader set of electoral reform initiatives currently being advanced in the House to strengthen democratic representation and improve public trust in government institutions.