Namfrel pushes ban on contractors in party-list races

THE National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has called for sweeping reforms to the country’s party-list system, proposing to bar government contractors from seeking seats in Congress and prohibit the use of celebrity names and state-funded program titles in organization names.

In a statement on Tuesday, the group said it had submitted a position paper to the Senate as lawmakers review the party-list law, arguing that the system requires a major overhaul to prevent it from serving as a vehicle for powerful interests rather than marginalized sectors.

In its submission to the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms, the election watchdog said the party-list system has “strayed grievously” from its constitutional mandate.

Citing its own data, the watchdog noted that in the 2025 elections, more than 55% of participating party-list groups were linked to traditional political clans, large business interests or members of the security establishment.

To address what it described as structural weaknesses, Namfrel urged senators to consolidate key provisions from Senate Bill 1656 authored by Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel and Senate Bill 1871 by Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito.

It said these measures are comprehensive and legally sound while imposing a relatively lighter administrative burden that would not exclude resource-constrained grassroots groups.

By contrast, the group described Senate Bill 1718 filed by Lorna Regina B. Legarda as potentially burdensome, saying high compliance requirements could deter legitimate sectoral groups while wealthier entities would be better positioned to comply.

Namfrel also raised concerns about Senate Bill 1559 by Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV, Senate Bill 757 by Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” R. Marcos and Senate Bill 192 authored by Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III and Robinhood C. Padilla.

It warned that provisions in these bills risk being struck down by the courts because they try to confine the system exclusively to the poor and marginalized, which may conflict with a 2013 Supreme Court ruling that allowed national and sectoral parties not strictly representing marginalized sectors to participate.

To prevent economic conflicts of interest, Namfrel proposed strict disqualification rules for nominees. “Individuals who are owners, officers or partners of businesses with active government contracts or state-funded projects should be disqualified to prevent the weaponization of the party-list system for economic gain,” the group said in its paper.

It also recommended banning the use of celebrity names or government assistance programs such as ayuda (aid), TUPAD or AICS in party-list organization names, arguing these create unfair name-recall advantages.

Beyond eligibility and naming rules, Namfrel called for structural changes, including the removal or substantial increase of the three-seat cap per organization to encourage consolidation and improve proportional representation.

At the same time, the watchdog cautioned against provisions that could be used for political harassment. It flagged Senate Bill 201 by Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa, saying any clause allowing disqualification based on ideological affiliations without due process should be removed.

Namfrel said the party-list system is in “dire need of restoration” and urged lawmakers to pursue reforms alongside measures addressing political dynasties and campaign finance regulation. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking