PASAY CITY—The Senate moved to insulate the party-list system from elite capture on May 5, as Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros sponsored Senate Bill No. 2090. 

Termed the Party-List Reform Act, the measure seeks to purge the system of political dynasties and special interest groups that have historically diluted the representation of truly underrepresented sectors. 

By tightening the criteria for participation, the bill aims to restore the original intent of the law ensuring that the halls of the House of Representatives resonate with the voices of the marginalized rather than the powerful.

The reform gained immediate momentum in the plenary with high-profile backing from Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III and Senator Robinhood Padilla. 

“I hope we will be able to reform the party-list law to reflect the mandate and intent of the original law and of the Constitution. I am sure that with the leadership of the chairperson of the Committee on Electoral Reforms, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, we will be able to come up with an almost perfect law for the party-list system in our country today,” the Senate President said on his co-sponsorship speech.

Both leaders signed on as co-sponsors, signaling a unified legislative front against the systemic abuse of proportional representation. 

As the chamber began deliberations, supporters emphasized that the act is a critical step in safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring that the party-list seat allocation remains a dedicated space for genuine sectoral advocacy.