LIVE: House of representatives holds press briefing | November 5, 2026

About this feature

The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, chaired by Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, convened its inaugural regional public consultation in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, to deliberate on House Bill No. 9906, known as the proposed New Party-List System Act. Joined by Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre, 4Ps Party-list Representative JC Abalos, former lawmaker Antonio Tinio, and Butuan City Representative Jose "Joby" Aquino II, the panel engaged regional stakeholders, sectoral representatives, and local communities on crucial structural reforms. Discussions centered on overhauling Republic Act No. 7941 to institute stricter vetting processes by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), close loopholes allowing political dynasties to dominate sectoral seats, prevent conflicts of interest among nominees, and ensure that party-list organizations authentically represent the marginalized and underrepresented sectors of society. Chapters: 00:00 – Opening of the regional public consultation on the New Party-List System Act in Butuan City 02:07 – Introduction of panel members, congressional representatives, and press conference guidelines 11:14 – Civic participation and perspectives from regional sectors on national electoral reforms 12:38 – Detailed breakdown of proposed party-list classifications and organizational criteria under House Bill No. 9906 16:56 – Legislative responses to public clamor for structural overhauls in the party-list framework 19:10 – Emphasizing the strategic necessity of genuine grassroots representation for Mindanao communities 21:42 – Consolidating legislative proposals and integrating anti-political dynasty provisions into the party-list mechanism 24:41 – Addressing systemic challenges regarding authentic representation for marginalized and vulnerable sectors 28:18 – Projected timeline for committee deliberations, plenary debates, and congressional passage 31:20 – Proposed regulatory restrictions a...