In the beginning, the partylist system was a bold democratic experiment — an attempt to level the playing field by giving voice to marginalized sectors long excluded from traditional politics.

Farmers, fisherfolk, laborers, indigenous peoples, persons with disability, and others were given a seat at the table through sectoral representation in Congress. It was supposed to be a mechanism for inclusion. Instead, it has become a mockery of itself.

Too often, the partylist system is hijacked by powerful political families, business interests, and traditional politicians masquerading as champions of the poor. Political dynasties deploy partylists as parallel vehicles to maintain control over the legislative branch, while some partylists are merely placeholders or back doors for national candidates. The spirit of the law has been twisted into a loophole.

It is time to put an end to this deception.

Congress must amend the PartyList System Act to impose stricter qualifications — not only on the partylists themselves but more importantly on their nominees. Mere nominal affiliation with a sector is not enough. Nominees must be able to prove longstanding and active advocacy or membership within the sector they claim to represent.

A businessman should not represent farmers; a relative of a governor should not represent tricycle drivers unless they have a clear, verifiable history of involvement in that sector’s struggles and aspirations.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), for its part, must take a more proactive and rigorous approach in vetting nominees. The agency must conduct background checks and require detailed documentation showing the nominee’s participation in the sector — through community programs, leadership roles, or consistent service over time. Being marginalized is not a performance for elections; it is a lived reality that cannot be faked every three years.

The law also needs to define what “marginalized” truly means in contemporary society. Some sectors, while previously disadvantaged, may no longer fall under that category due to economic growth or political empowerment. Meanwhile, new vulnerable sectors have emerged that require representation — climate-vulnerable communities, solo parents, mental health advocates. The list must evolve with the times.

The partylist system is not a shortcut to power. It is a constitutional instrument of justice and inclusion. If it no longer serves that purpose, then it must either be reformed or abolished.

But if we are to preserve it, we must cleanse it.

It is time for Congress and Comelec to show political will and integrity. The Filipino people deserve genuine representatives — not impostors cloaked in advocacy. Let us return the partylist system to those who need it most.