BY HERMAN M. LAGON
DURING a recent chat with my friend Jennifer Ladrido in our Group Chat, she asked me, “What party-list are you voting for?”
The query struck a nerve in a landscape where party-lists often get tangled in political theatrics. It got me thinking about how these groups have frequently drifted away, almost by design, from their supposed mission to serve marginalized sectors. Many voters struggle to see beyond the noise, confusing genuine advocacy with mere political posturing.
Choosing a party-list should not be a roll of dice or a shot in the dark; it should be an informed decision rooted in facts, principles, and the group’s proven record of advocacy. Data tells us that voters who do their homework — checking on past legislative performance and scrutinizing agendas — are likelier to elect leaders who make a difference.
According to the 2022 voter behavior study from the Social Weather Stations (SWS), 68% of those who researched party-list candidates were satisfied with their choice. This is a sign that being proactive pays off when making crucial electoral decisions.
What should guide our choices?
For starters, look at the consistency of their track record. Their legislative history serves as a solid yardstick for what an effective party-list should look like.
Being discerning voters also means filtering out those party-lists that misuse their platform to serve vested interests or political dynasties. A recent report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) revealed that several party-lists have ties to influential business families seeking to expand their political clout.
When dynasties, elitists, wannabes, divas, and oligarchs slip into the party-list system disguised as defenders of the marginalized, it is a betrayal of the true purpose of proportional representation. We must ask ourselves: Are we electing genuine advocates or allowing wolves in sheep’s clothing to dominate the halls of power?
Transparency and accountability should be at the forefront of our evaluation. I draw on a core principle that suggests examining what is said and done is essential. This means digging into a party list’s funding sources, affiliations, and how they utilize their legislative power. It is about holding them accountable to the sectors they claim to represent, ensuring that their actions align with their words.
Let us remember their presence in Congress and street parliament — attendance matters. The House of Representatives is not just a stage for press releases; it is a place where real work gets done. Voters should be unforgiving of absenteeism. It is utterly disappointing to see elected officials skipping crucial debates and votes that could make or break their constituents’ futures. Showing up might be the bare minimum, but it is a minimum that counts, and every missed session is a missed opportunity to drive change.
The 2019 Ateneo School of Government study highlighted that one of the biggest gaps in voter behavior is the lack of awareness regarding party-list accountability. Many Filipinos still struggle to distinguish between legitimate sectoral representatives and those simply riding on populist slogans. This insight should prompt us to look closer at how party-lists operate during election season and throughout their term.
Jennifer’s question keeps circling back in my mind: How do we ensure we vote for the right party-list?
The answer lies in being more critical and discerning. Like we do when choosing our senators and local officials, we need to weigh the track records, transparency, and depth of each candidate’s commitment to their cause. A well-informed vote goes beyond the campaign noise and zeros in on substance over style.
We often forget that the party-list system was created to bring the marginalized into the national conversation, not to serve as a consolation prize for failed traditional politicians.
Data-driven decisions make all the difference. It highlights the importance of prioritizing track records over empty promises. We must shift from electing entertainers to choosing real changemakers who understand the urgency of their sector’s needs.
And so, as we return to Jennifer’s question — “What party-list are you voting for?” — let us clarify that this is not about who shouts the loudest or has the flashiest electoral campaign. It is about who is actually there for the people, day in and day out, rain or shine, in Congress or the streets, standing up for those whose voices often get drowned out.
So, when you step into that voting booth this May 12, 2025, do not just pick a name; choose an advocacy, a cause, a mission, or a movement. And if you find yourself hesitating, remember — your precious vote is a decisive call for change. Choose wisely so that next time we are asked this question, we can answer it with pride, not regret.
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with./PN
