By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

HALF of party-list groups participating in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections have been hijacked by political dynasties, a global human rights coalition said on Tuesday.

In a report, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) said its International Observer Mission (IOM) concluded that at least 78 of the 156 party-list organizations certified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) belong to political families.

“Political dynasties are inherent in a society marked by high inequality and poverty, which stem from the historical concentration of land and wealth ownership in the hands of a few,” it said.

The Philippine party list system was introduced in the 1987 constitution to give marginalized groups representation at the House of Representatives. 

“This system has been increasingly corrupted by political dynasties,” the coalition said.

Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer from the Ateneo de Manila University, said the Philippines continues to be at risk from developmental stunting due to the country’s dynastic system.

“Any policy change is likely to perpetuate the status quo of rent-seeking behavior and elite domination of state resources,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

Maria Ela L. Atienza, who teaches political science at the University of the Philippines, said the party-list system has failed to give marginalized sectors a voice.

“The party-list system has not achieved its purpose of leveling the playing field and promoting progressive and marginalized interests,” she said via Viber. “It’s time to reconsider.”

Ms. Atienza added that the party-list system could be reformed based on performance, while anti-dynasty laws could be enforced at the local level.

The ICHRP said 142 of district representatives seeking re-election on May 12 belong to political dynasties.

It added that these dynasties cover at least 87% of the Philippines’ provincial government, or 71 of 82 positions.

“Forty-seven of the 71 incumbent governors belonging to political dynasties are seeking re-election,” it said. “At the same time, 19 sitting governors who are not running for re-election have family members seeking to replace them.”

The group raised concerns about the impact of political dynasties on representation and diversity since power is frequently passed down to family members.

The coalition said three of the country’s 10 wealthiest tycoons are behind three of the biggest political parties, while a fourth political faction is led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who presides over the Marcos-Romualdez dynasty, it pointed out.

Filipinos will pick 317 congressmen and thousands of local officials. The biggest battle will be for 12 spots in the 24-member Senate, a chamber packed with political heavyweights and wielding outsized influence.