TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre said proposed reforms to the party-list system are intended to strengthen sectoral representation in Congress by imposing clearer eligibility requirements, improving accountability, and preventing the concentration of seats among a few groups.
Acidre said the proposed Party-list Reform Act seeks to ensure that the system remains a genuine platform for the representation of marginalized and underrepresented sectors.
“The proposed reforms are intended to preserve the integrity of the party-list system and ensure that it remains a genuine platform for sectoral representation,” he said in a statement.
Among the proposed measures are a ban on political dynasties within the party-list system, restrictions on newly elected local government officials from immediately seeking party-list seats, and higher competency standards for party-list nominees.
The proposal also includes mandatory training requirements intended to ensure that nominees possess the knowledge and capacity needed to perform their legislative responsibilities.
Acidre said the reforms are aimed at addressing concerns over the party-list system while strengthening public confidence in the sectoral representation process.
He also pointed to the significant laws and legislative measures enacted through the participation of party-list representatives over the years.
According to Acidre, the proposed reforms would promote greater transparency and accountability while ensuring that party-list representatives genuinely represent the sectors they are mandated to serve.
He said the proposed Party-list Reform Act is ultimately intended to preserve the party-list system as an important avenue for broader and more inclusive representation in the House of Representatives.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
