Genuine advocacy within the party-list system'

The 2025 midterm elections, one of the year’s most anticipated events, has ignited political activity nationwide. As early as now, several issues have emerged, and among those facing scrutiny is the party-list system, fueled by the emergence of new groups claiming to represent various under-represented sectors of society.

For the upcoming elections, 156 groups will vie for 63 party-list seats – about 20 percent of Congress. Securing just two percent of the total votes guarantees a seat, with a maximum of three seats for those exceeding six percent. Originally designed by the 1987 Constitution to amplify marginalized voices in Congress, the party-list system has faced criticism for apparently straying from its original intent. Previously, the system catered to sectors like farmers, laborers, women, youth and indigenous peoples, with only religious groups excluded. However, a 2013 Supreme Court ruling opened the system to more diverse groups.

Since then, the system’s promise of inclusivity has come under fire, with critics questioning its effectiveness in representing the marginalized. Instead of championing underserved Filipinos, such as persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, some argue that party-lists have turned into vehicles for political patronage and personal gain. This defeats the very purpose of the party-list system, which was meant to give voice to those who have none, and power to the sectors that need it most.

As we approach the 2025 polls, there’s an urgent need to rethink how the system is serving the real, pressing needs of Filipinos – specifically, the truly marginalized and underserved sectors of our society.

The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results, which showed a high preference for party-list groups advocating for representation for the seniors, poor and jobless, reveal the social priorities of Filipinos.

Considering this, the upcoming elections serve as a timely opportunity to elect party-list groups that can and will act beyond the level of common issues and become true proponents in addressing the “gut issues” of the country’s ordinary Filipinos.

This includes giving voice to sectors that have long been overlooked but can continue to become active and productive members of our society – like our senior citizens. After all, the Philippines has one of the fastest-aging populations in Southeast Asia. More than 10 percent of the population is already over 60, and the number is expected to rise, based on recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Despite the growing population of this sector, the elderly remain one of our most vulnerable sectors, often lacking adequate support in terms of healthcare, social security and basic welfare. It is here that the party-list system can make a difference.

In many ways, ensuring representation for senior citizens is a personal, gut issue – something that resonates with every Filipino who has an aging parent, grandparent or relative.

The party-list system, envisioned to empower the voiceless, has the unique potential to provide these sectors and concerns a dedicated representation in Congress.

Such is the need for the party-list system to evolve. We cannot let it be another political tool for the powers that be. It is up to us, voters, to ensure that party-list groups that will get congressional seats will fulfill their promises and fully uphold the advocacies of the marginalized sectors as they claim to be.

It is everyone’s responsibility to scrutinize these party-list groups’ advocacies, nominees, track record and their stand on issues.

Party-list groups need to concentrate on issues of everyday life that have a real connection to ordinary Filipinos’ experiences. The system must focus on real policies that address poverty, neglect, and injustice at the roots –  more than mere tokenism.

The December 2024 Social Weather Survey revealed that 90 percent of Filipinos are entering the new year with hope. Let’s channel this optimism into action during the upcoming elections. If we elect the right party-list groups, the system can contribute to the improvement of the lives of sectors that are normally under-represented. Now is the chance for a party-list system capable and designed to give adequate voice to the marginalized rather than an afterthought for politicians to patronize.

As we move into the 2025 elections, let us not forget that the true measure of a party-list group’s worth is not how much it can raise awareness or rally voters, but how well it can serve the real, urgent needs of Filipinos. As a senior citizen, I stand with my fellow elderly, urging voters to choose wisely and demand representation that truly upholds the interests of the marginalized.