Party List System

In recognition of the need to democratize Congress, RA 7941 says that 20% of Congress should consist of representatives from party list (PL) groups to give the poor and marginalized a greater voice there.

Every voter can vote for one (1) party list group, party or organization. Each party list can have 1-3 representatives depending on the total votes they get.

What are genuinely progressive party list groups?

1. Representing poor sectors in society that, despite their significant numbers, are politically and economically marginalized
2. Organized and with concrete platforms to advance the interest of their constituencies
3. Able to oppose the policies, programs and structures that have marginalized their constituencies

The party list system has allowed a few progressive PLs to enter Congress but traditional ruling elites are subverting the system’s intent and using it to take additional seats in Congress aside from the district representative seats that they have long-dominated.

Party list groups in 14th Congress 15,337,808 – Total number of party list votes cast in 2007 (excluding those for disqualified Batas PL group), out of 45.0 million registered voters 52 party list representatives from 33 organizations, or 19% out of total 269 representatives Progressive party list groups such as Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Gabriela Women’s Party and Kabataan. There are also a few other PL groups advocating alternative legislation. Dubious party list groups include among others ANAD (Pastor Alcover, Jr), Ang Kasangga (Ma. Lourdes Arroyo), Bantay (Jovito Palparan, Jr) Palace-backed or -allied party list groups running for 15th Congress 1-Utak (1-United Transport Koalisyon), Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM), Ang Galing Pinoy (AG), Agbiag Timpuyo Ilokano (Agbiag), Ahon Pinoy (Ahon), Akbay Pinoy OFW-National (APOI), Aangat Ating Kabuhayan Pilipinas (Anak), Babae para sa Kaunlaran (Babae Ka), Bigkis Pinoy Movement (Bigkis), Byaheng Pinoy Labor Association (Byaheng Pinoy), Kalahi Sectoral Party (Kalahi), and League of Youth for Peace and Advancement (LYPAD), among others