A fresh push to reform the Philippines’ party-list system is back on the Senate floor, with Risa Hontiveros and the Akbayan party-list proposing major amendments to the Party-List Law.

The proposal aims to tighten eligibility rules and clarify who truly qualifies as “marginalized,” responding to long-standing criticism that the system has drifted from its original purpose. Designed to give underrepresented sectors a voice in Congress, the party-list mechanism has, over the years, been accused of being used by well-connected groups with access to funding and political machinery.

Hontiveros and Akbayan argue that reform is necessary to restore credibility and fairness. Among the ideas floated are stricter screening of nominees, clearer sectoral definitions, and safeguards to prevent political dynasties or proxies from entering through the party-list route. Supporters say these changes would strengthen representation and public trust.

The proposal also revives a familiar debate: reform versus restriction. While advocates frame the amendments as corrective, critics caution that overly narrow definitions could unintentionally exclude legitimate grassroots groups. The challenge, lawmakers say, is striking a balance between preventing abuse and preserving broad participation.

As deliberations move forward, the discussion highlights a deeper question facing the legislature: whether the party-list system can still function as a tool for inclusion—or whether reform is now essential to keep it aligned with its founding intent.

Quiet takeaway: When representation drifts from purpose, reform becomes a matter of restoring trust—not rewriting history.