Amending R.A. No. 7941 (Partylist System Act)

JUL -7 A11:51 TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session SENATE S. No. — INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7941, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "PARTY- LIST SYSTEM ACT" EXPLANATORY NOTE The 1987 Constitution introduced the party-list system as an innovative mechanism to broaden democratic representation, particularly for the marginalized and underrepresented sectors of society. This was further operationalized through Republic Act No. 7941, or the Party-List System Act, passed in 1995. Its intent was clear: to give voice to the voiceless, and to allow previously sidelined communities a seat at the table of national policymaking. However, decades into its implementation, the nation has realized that clearly, intent is not everything. The integrity of the party-list system has come under question. Certain groups have entered Congress not as genuine representatives of marginalized sectors, but as vehicles for ideological or political interests that run counter to the spirit of the Constitution. Of particular concern is the infiltration of groups with known links to rebels associated with local terrorist groups, which not only undermines public trust but also compromises national security and democratic institutions.

This proposed measure seeks to strengthen the safeguards of the party-list system by amending Section 6 of RA 7941. It expands the grounds for the refusal or cancellation of registration of party-list groups to include: • the promotion or use of violence and unlawful acts involving vulnerable sectors such as children and youth, and • any form of association or support for designated terrorist groups under RA 11479, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Democracy must protect its space not just to allow dissent, but to preserve order, legitimacy, and the peaceful contest of ideas. The party-list system was never meant to be a Trojan horse for anti-government or anti-democratic activities. This bill does not seek to suppress legitimate sectoral representation. On the contrary, it aims to restore the system to its rightful purpose: to uplift the marginalized and to ensure a responsive, inclusive legislative process. The immediate passage of this measure is therefore respectfully urged. RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA

' 'i TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 JUL -7 A11:51 First Regular Session SENATE S. No. 201 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7941, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "PARTY- LIST SYSTEM ACT" Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Section 6 of Republic Act 7941 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Section 6. Refusal and/or Cancellation of Registration. The COMELEC may, motu propio or upon verified complaint of any interested party, refuse or cancel, after due notice and hearing, the registration of any national, regional or sectoral party, organization or coalition on any of the following grounds: (1) It is a religious sect or denomination, organization or association, organized for religious purposes; (2) It advocates violence, or unlawful means to seek its goal; (3) It is a foreign party or organization; (4) It is receiving support from any foreign government, foreign political party, foundation, organization, whether directly or through any of its officers or members or indirectly through third parties for partisan election purposes;

(5) It violates or falls to comply with laws, rules or regulations relating to elections; (6) It declares untruthful statements In its petition; (7) It has ceased to exist for at least one (1) year; [or] (8) It fails to participate In the last two (2) preceding elections or fails to obtain at least two per centum (2%) of the votes cast under the party- list system in the two (2) preceding elections for the constituency In which it has registered[:]; (9) IT SEEKS THE PARTICIPATION OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND MEMBERS OF OTHER DISADVANTAGED SECTORS IN COMMITTING VIOLENT AND UNLAWFUL ACTS; OR (10) IT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PARTICIPATES IN ACTS DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTERST OF THE GOVERNMENT, TO OVERTHROW THE GOVERNMENT OR DIMINISH ITS POWERS, OR TO BE ASSOCIATED BY ANY MEANS TO REBELS OR PROSCRIBED TERRORIST PERSONS OR GROUPS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11479, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "ANTI TERRORISM ACT OF 2020".

Sec. 2. Rules and Regulations - The COMELEC shall promulgate the necessary

rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Sec. 3. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations and

executive orders contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the official gazette or in newspaper of general circulation. Approved,