De Lima critiques party-list misuse by political clans

Former Senator Leila de Lima is campaigning for a party-list seat in the upcoming 2025 elections. She is the first nominee for the ML (Mamamayang Liberal) party-list. De Lima argues that the party-list system should not be misused by powerful political families to gain more control. During a campaign stop in Bacolod City, De Lima endorsed former Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino. These senators are also supported by other party-list groups such as Akbayan, Bunyog, and Magdalo. De Lima stressed the need for reforms, saying that justice alone is not enough without changes to the party-list system. According to De Lima, the party-list system should represent marginalized people, not serve the interests of the powerful. She believes this representation is essential for social justice, emphasizing the need for voices for workers, farmers, and the urban poor. Her party aims to represent these sectors and advocate for their rights. De Lima called on voters to support candidates who prioritize integrity and competence. She believes that voting for the right leaders is crucial for creating real change in governance. She also highlighted concerns from election watchdog Kontra Daya, which reported that many party-list groups do not truly represent the underprivileged. The ML party-list was accredited by the Commission on Elections in July 2024. It aims to fight for various social issues, including labor rights and gender equality, to create a more inclusive representation in Congress.