The Truth Behind the Party-List System: Who Are They Really Representing?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippine Party-List System was designed to give marginalized and underrepresented sectors a voice in Congress. However, according to election watchdog Kontra Daya, more than 50% of the party-list groups running in #Eleksyon2025 do not actually represent marginalized sectors.

A closer look at the 156 accredited party-list groups reveals an alarming truth:

✅ 86 groups (55.13%) have no clear connection to any marginalized community.

✅ 40 are linked to political dynasties.

✅ 25 are tied to big businesses.

✅ 18 have ties to the military or police.

✅ 7 have histories of corruption.

✅ 11 have questionable advocacies.

✅ 9 provided insufficient information in their documents submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

A System Hijacked by the Powerful

What was meant to be an instrument for inclusive governance has become a tool for political elites, business tycoons, and other powerful groups to secure seats in Congress. This issue isn't new—in the 2022 elections, Kontra Daya reported that 70% of party-list groups were controlled by political clans or businesses.

Under Republic Act No. 7941 (the Party-List System Act), these groups are supposed to represent sectors such as:

✅ Workers

✅ Farmers

✅ Fisherfolk

✅ Urban poor

✅ Indigenous communities

✅ Women

✅ Youth

✅ Cooperatives

Yet, many of the current party-list groups have no real connection to these communities.

Does Comelec Conduct Background Checks?

In theory, Comelec requires party-list groups to submit:

📌 Their constitution and by-laws

📌 Platform or government programs

📌 List of officials

📌 Other necessary documents

But is Comelec really doing its job in verifying these groups? The fact that a "WiFi Party-list" exists raises eyebrows—since when did WiFi become a marginalized sector?

Former Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon previously pushed for stricter accreditation rules to ensure that only legitimate representatives of marginalized sectors make it to the ballot. Yet, election after election, questionable groups continue to be accredited.

Why Should Voters Care?

Every election, party-list groups win 20% of the seats in the House of Representatives. That means these groups play a crucial role in shaping the country's laws and policies. If these seats are taken over by traditional politicians and big businesses, it defeats the purpose of the party-list system and denies real marginalized communities the representation they deserve.

What Can We Do?

With #Eleksyon2025 fast approaching, it is the responsibility of voters to:

✅ Research the background of party-list groups before voting.

✅ Support genuine party-list groups that truly represent marginalized communities.

✅ Call on Comelec to enforce stricter screening of party-list candidates.

The party-list system was meant to be a tool for social justice and equal representation. It’s time to take it back from those who are exploiting it for their own interests.

PHLPost Launches 54th UPU International Letter Writing Competition for Young Writers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) is calling on young Filipino students to showcase their creativity and advocacy through the 54th Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People. Open to all elementary and high school students aged 9 to 15 from both public and private schools nationwide, this prestigious contest provides young writers with a platform to express their thoughts and ideas while advocating for meaningful global causes.

The winning entry will proudly represent the Philippines in the international competition in Berne, Switzerland, competing against the best young letter writers from 192 UPU member countries.

A Call to Protect Our Oceans

This year’s theme is both timely and urgent:

“Imagine you are the ocean. Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you.”

By assuming the persona of the ocean, participants will creatively convey the significance of marine conservation while raising awareness about environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. This theme encourages young minds to engage in critical thinking, sustainability discussions, and global advocacy, aligning with the principles of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Competition Details & Submission Guidelines

Participants must submit a handwritten letter in English with a maximum of 800 words, adhering to proper letter-writing conventions. Each entry must include:

✔️ Place, date, and recipient’s address

✔️ Opening and closing salutations

✔️ The participant’s signature

✔️ Original, AI-free content

Additionally, students must attach a separate information sheet containing:

Word count of the letter

Full name and complete address

Gender, age, and date of birth

A recent 2x2 colored photo

School name, address, and grade/year level

Contact details (mobile/landline)

Attractive Prizes Await the Best Letters

Top entries will receive cash prizes, medals, plaques, and exclusive Philippine stamp albums:

🏆 1st Prize – ₱25,000

🥈 2nd Prize – ₱20,000

🥉 3rd Prize – ₱15,000

All participants will also receive e-certificates of participation via their registered email.

How to Submit Your Entry

📌 Deadline: March 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Late submissions will not be accepted.)

Submission Process:

📩 Mail your original handwritten letter in a brown envelope via Domestic Express Mail Service (DEMS) ONLY to:

📍 UPU 54th International Letter Writing Competition for Young People 2025

Corporate Communications Division – Office of the Postmaster General

Philippine Postal Corporation

Manila Central Post Office Building, Annex II

Magallanes Drive, Liwasang Bonifacio, Barangay 659-A, Ermita, 1000 Manila

🚨 Important: Entries sent via private couriers such as LBC, DHL, 2Go, or JRS Express will be automatically DISQUALIFIED.

📌 Online Registration:

All participants must also register online and upload a scanned copy of their entry (PDF format) and a high-quality photo (PNG/JPEG format) at:

🔗 https://bit.ly/PHLPost2025LetterWriting

Judging Criteria

A panel of experts will evaluate entries based on the following:

✅ Relevance to Theme – 30%

✅ Imagination & Originality – 20%

✅ Writing Style & Communication – 20%

✅ Vocabulary & Expression – 20%

✅ Youthfulness of Tone – 10%

The final winners will be announced no later than March 21, 2025.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers

Beyond fostering literacy and creativity, this annual competition nurtures a sense of social responsibility among young Filipinos, empowering them to voice their thoughts on pressing global issues. By participating, students take an active role in environmental advocacy and youth-led sustainability initiatives—ensuring that their words spark awareness and inspire action.

For further inquiries, visit www.phlpost.gov.ph or follow PHLPost on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PHLPost. You may also contact Ms. Rianne Aybil U. Penaredondo, Acting Chief, Corporate Communications Office of the Postmaster General, via corcom@phlpost.gov.ph.

Let your voice be heard—write, inspire, and make a difference!

Wazzup Pilipinas Invited to Join SalikSeek 2025 as Media Partner: A Commitment to Empowering Young Researchers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Wazzup Pilipinas, the leading online media platform for news, lifestyle, and advocacy, proudly announces its participation as a media partner for SalikSeek 2025—a premier research writing seminar, workshop, and competition aimed at high school students nationwide. Organized by the UP Communication Research Society (UP CRS), the event will be held on April 12, 2025, at Alcantara Hall, Vinzons Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman.

SalikSeek 2025: Media as an Agent of Consciousness

This year’s theme, "Midya at Kamalayan: Emphasizing Media’s Role as an Agent of Consciousness," highlights the crucial role of media in shaping identity, awareness, and societal narratives. As digital platforms become more influential, the event aims to guide young scholars in critically analyzing how media fosters both progress and division in Filipino culture.

With topics covering media literacy, echo chambers, influencer culture, and responsible journalism, SalikSeek 2025 will equip the next generation of researchers with the skills and mindset to navigate today’s complex information landscape.

Wazzup Pilipinas: Championing Research and Responsible Journalism

As a trusted voice in online journalism, Wazzup Pilipinas is honored to be part of this initiative, reinforcing its commitment to fostering credible reporting and media literacy among young minds. By serving as a media partner, Wazzup Pilipinas will amplify the reach of SalikSeek 2025, ensuring that its advocacy for conscious, research-driven communication is widely recognized.

With a strong track record of covering significant events across business, lifestyle, and governance, Wazzup Pilipinas continues to support initiatives that drive transparency, accountability, and social awareness—values that align perfectly with the mission of SalikSeek 2025.

What to Expect from SalikSeek 2025

The event consists of three key components:

Seminar – Industry experts and media professionals will discuss pressing issues in communication research.

Workshop – Participants will receive hands-on training in research writing and data analysis.

Competition – High school students will showcase their research skills in a nationwide contest, encouraging analytical thinking and scholarly excellence.

With a diverse audience spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, SalikSeek 2025 promises to be a platform where young scholars can explore the power of media while honing their research and writing abilities.

A Call to Action: Support Research and Media Literacy

As media and research converge to shape public consciousness, SalikSeek 2025 presents a crucial opportunity to inspire and educate the next generation of researchers and communicators. Wazzup Pilipinas invites its readers, partners, and fellow advocates to support this meaningful cause by following the event’s updates, engaging with the discussions, and championing responsible media practices.

For more information on SalikSeek 2025 and how you can be part of this movement, follow Wazzup Pilipinas and the UP Communication Research Society on their official platforms. Together, let’s build a future where media is a force for truth, education, and empowerment!