TACLOBAN CITY — A coalition of party-list lawmakers has filed a measure in the House of Representatives seeking to strengthen political parties, promote accountability, and curb political turncoatism in the country.
The Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI), led by TGP Party-list Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr., Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, and 1Tahanan Party-list Rep. Nathaniel Oducado, filed House Bill No. 9139 or the proposed “Comprehensive Political Party Empowerment Act”.
The filing was witnessed by House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Chairperson and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Adiong.
The proposed measure requires political parties to maintain clear ideological platforms, transparent nomination processes, democratic internal elections, and active governance structures even outside election periods.
It also seeks to institutionalize political education and leadership development programs to strengthen party-based governance.
A key provision of the bill is the prohibition of political turncoatism, including party switching after elections and actions deemed to undermine party loyalty. Elected officials found violating the provision may face forfeiture of office, while political parties encouraging such acts could face sanctions.
The bill likewise proposes the creation of a Political Party Development Fund to support political education, policy research, and organizational development, while introducing stricter transparency measures on political financing and support mechanisms for emerging parties.
Acidre said the measure aims to build a more principled and policy-driven political system.
Teves, meanwhile, said the proposal seeks to strengthen democratic institutions and help restore public trust in the country’s political process.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
