MANILA — Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III expressed support for reforms to the party-list system, emphasizing the need to restore its original purpose of giving marginalized sectors, particularly Filipino workers, a stronger voice in the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) in Cubao, Quezon City, Dy said empowering workers requires ensuring that democratic mechanisms intended to represent them function effectively.

“At kung tunay nating nais na mas mapakinggan ang boses ng manggagawa, kailangan din nating tiyakin na ang mga mekanismong ginawa para sa inyo ay gumagana nang tama,” Dy told TUCP leaders and members.

“Dito po pumapasok ang isa pang mahalagang reporma na isinusulong ng ating Pangulo — ang pag-ayos ng ating party-list system,” he added.

Dy said the push for party-list reform is part of efforts to strengthen democracy, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives during the recent meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

“Sa huling pagpupulong ng LEDAC sa Malacañang, malinaw ang direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.: pabilisin ang pagpasa ng mga repormang magpapatatag sa ating demokrasya,” he said.

He noted that party-list reform is being advanced alongside other priority measures, including the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, the Independent People’s Commission Act, and the CADENA Act, which seeks to boost transparency and accountability in public finance.

Dy said calls for reform have grown as experts point out that the party-list system has strayed from its constitutional intent and no longer adequately represents marginalized sectors. The objective, he said, is to restore authentic sectoral representation.

“Kaya ang gusto po nating ibalik ay isang sistemang tapat sa diwa ng batas: representation that is real, authentic and sector-based,” Dy said.

He also highlighted TUCP’s historic role in the system, describing the labor group as a reminder of why the mechanism exists and why reforms are needed.

“Ang boses ng manggagawa ay dapat manggaling sa tunay na manggagawa — hindi sa mga makapangyarihang interes, hindi sa political clans, hindi sa mayayamang grupo na nais umangkin ng espasyo na hindi naman sa kanila,” he said.

TUCP, the country’s largest confederation of labor federations, has long participated in the party-list system and is currently represented in Congress by Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza.

As the House prepares to deliberate on reform proposals, Dy urged TUCP and other labor groups to take an active role, stressing that their credibility and experience are essential in shaping a system that truly serves Filipino workers.