Hijacked: How the Partylist System Was Stolen from the Marginalized

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A System Meant for the Oppressed—Now Dominated by the Powerful

In the halls of Congress, power was once meant to be shared, not hoarded. The Partylist System, designed to be the voice of the marginalized, was created to ensure that those without influence—farmers, fisherfolk, laborers, indigenous groups, and the urban poor—had a seat at the legislative table. But decades after its inception, has this noble intent been fulfilled, or has it been hijacked by the very forces it sought to challenge?

The Original Intent of the Partylist System

The 318-member House of Representatives is composed of 80% district-elected representatives and 20% partylist representatives. The partylist system was meant to give underrepresented sectors a voice in governance—offering hope to those who had long been excluded from the corridors of power.

When the Partylist System Act (RA 7941) was enacted in 1995, it explicitly stated that this system was created to represent marginalized and underrepresented sectors—farmers, fisherfolk, laborers, indigenous communities, women, and the urban poor. It was meant to ensure that those without access to traditional political power could still have a say in crafting the nation’s laws.

The Supreme Court’s Controversial Decision

Everything changed in 2013, when the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling (Atong Paglaum v. COMELEC) that allowed non-marginalized groups to participate in the partylist system. In a decision that shocked many advocates of the system, the Court ruled that partylist groups do not need to be exclusively for marginalized sectors—instead, even political parties and organizations with national interests could participate.

The ruling argued that limiting the system to the marginalized was too restrictive and that even broader political movements could contribute to national progress. However, in practice, this decision opened the floodgates for traditional politicians, wealthy businessmen, and political dynasties to hijack the system.

2025 Elections: A Further Decline?

With the 2025 elections fast approaching, more than 50% of the partylist candidates do not even represent marginalized sectors. Many of these groups claim to advocate for public welfare, yet behind the scenes, they are merely extensions of political dynasties or large corporations.

The question then arises: who do they truly serve? The people? Or their own personal and business interests?

A System in Need of Overhaul

Public frustration over the misuse of the partylist system is growing. Advocacy groups, scholars, and concerned citizens are calling for a complete overhaul or even the abolition of the system if it continues to serve as a tool for corruption rather than representation.

But until reforms are in place, the power to uphold democracy rests in the hands of the voters. Every Filipino must be vigilant, critical, and discerning when selecting their partylist representatives. The fight for true representation is far from over, but it starts with knowing who truly deserves your vote.

Your Vote, Your Power

Before casting your ballot in 2025, ask yourself: Is this partylist truly for the people, or just another political pawn? The future of genuine representation depends on it.

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