Group aims for party-list law amendment

CEBU, Philippines — If Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list wins a seat in Congress in 2025, it will push for the amendment of the Partylist Law.

In a press conference last Wednesday, the ML partylist’s second nominee, Teodoro "Teddy" Brawner Baguilat Jr. and third nominee Lorenzo "Erin" Reyes Tañada III stressed the importance of updating the current law over partylist in order to ensure genuine representation for the marginalized sectors.

Baguilat voiced out that it would be best if Republic Act No. 7941 or the Partylist Law would be amended in order to make it more responsive to the requirements of party-list representation.

“It’s what the partylist is supposed to be. Supposed to represent sectors that do not have a lot of representation in the house of congress,” said Baguilat.

Tanada said that as this Act was passed in 1995, the real objective to represent marginalized sectors had vanished and was allegedly replaced by political clans and powerful business interests to gain backdoor entry into the House.

Since then, the representation of these sectors has reportedly weakened, something Mamamayang Liberal seeks to address through amendments.

“If we do get elected, it will really be a big challenge to amend the partylist law to make it in line with what the constitution wants because we would be going into battle with political dynasties who benefit from this kind of system,” said Tanada.

With this vision, Baguilat and Tanada, together with their first nominee former Senator Leila De Lima, are optimistic about garnering enough support in Congress, hoping for at least 15 to 20 progressive party-list allies to create a solid voting bloc.

“We are not saying we are giving up. It is a matter of getting as much support as we could and even getting friendly partylist organizations who agree with the same aspect,” said Tanada.

“We are hoping that nationally, we can have at least 15 to 20 progressive partylist inside congress and with that number you are already creating a block that can move amendments to the law,” he added.

Meanwhile, as for their chances to get the three seats in Congress, Tanada disclosed that they need to secure around 2.5 million votes.

They noted that unlike other party-lists, they said that they are relying heavily on volunteers, many of whom previously rallied behind former Vice President Leni Robredo in the 2022 elections.

Further, Tañada emphasized the importance of voter education to ensure stronger participation in the party-list vote.

He cited data from the 2022 elections revealing that out of the 85 percent of registered voters who participated, only 65 percent cast ballots in the party-list races.

“This is really important in the coming elections na alam ng tao kung paano sila bomoto at sino yung mga partylist organizations na dapat tulungan,” said Tanada.

In Cebu, ML partylist is backing up the BOPK’s (Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan) slate with City Councilor Nestor Archival as mayor and former Mayor Tomas Osmeña as vice mayor.

They also mentioned candidates under the Liberal Party, such as former south district representative Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa, Cebu City Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos, Vice Governor Hilario Davide III for the House of Representatives, and Jonas Cortes for mayor in Mandaue City.

For the senatorial candidates, ML will be supporting Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan. (CEBU NEWS)