PASAY CITY—Senator Risa Hontiveros has officially filed Senate Bill No. 1656, the "Revised Party-List System Act," a legislative measure aimed at reclaiming the party-list system for the marginalized. 

The bill seeks to bar members of political dynasties from using the system as a "backdoor to power" and prohibits nominees or representatives with interests in government contracts from participating. 

This move is designed to ensure that seats in Congress are occupied by genuine advocates rather than business interests or established political clans.

The push for reform gained significant momentum as a counterpart measure, House Bill No. 7074, was filed in the House of Representatives by Akbayan Party-list Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismula, alongside Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao. 

Hontiveros issued a stern warning against those exploiting the system for financial gain, stating that those looking to profit should not use the party-list as a "racket." By strengthening the definition of "marginalized and underrepresented," the bicameral effort aims to restore the original intent of Republic Act No. 7941 and give a voice back to ordinary Filipinos who have been excluded from presentation. 

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