TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
25 JiJL -7 All 51
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SENATE 
S. No. ^01
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:
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the promotion or use of violence and unlawful acts involving vulnerable sectors 
such as children and youth, and
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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"BA
ELA ROSA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. 201
25 JiJL -7 AH 51
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA
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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 COM ELEC 
may, motupropio 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;


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(5) It violates or falls to comply with iaws, rules or regulations reiating
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to eiections;
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(6) It deciares untruthfui statements In its petition;
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(7) It has ceased to exist for at least one (1) year; [or]
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(8) It fails to participate In the iast two (2) preceding elections or faiis
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to obtain at least two per centum (2%) of the votes cast under the
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party- list system in the two (2) preceding elections for the
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constituency In which it has registered[7];
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(9) IT SEEKS THE PARTICIPATION OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND
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MEMBERS OF OTHER DISADVANTAGED SECTORS IN
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COMMITTING VIOLENT AND UNLAWFUL ACTS; OR
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(10) IT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PARTICIPATES IN ACTS
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DETRIMENTAL TO THE BEST INTERST OF THE
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GOVERNMENT, TO OVERTHROW THE GOVERNMENT OR
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DIMINISH ITS POWERS, OR TO BE ASSOCIATED BY ANY
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MEANS TO REBELS OR PROSCRIBED TERRORIST PERSONS
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OR GROUPS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11479,
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OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "ANTI TERRORISM ACT OF
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2020".
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Sec. 2. Rules and Regulations - The COMELEC shali promuigate the necessary
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rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
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Sec. 3. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is deciared
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unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shail
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remain in force and effect.
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Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. - Ail laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations and
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executive orders contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repeaied or
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modified accordingly.
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Sec. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shali take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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pubiication in the officiai gazette or in newspaper of generai circuiation.
Approved,