Constitution Breached? NTF-ELCAC Questions Party-List Seat Award to Gabriela

September 16, 2025

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has raised alarm over the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) decision to proclaim the Gabriela Women’s Party as the 64th party-list representative in the House of Representatives, warning that the move may breach constitutional boundaries and erode public trust in democratic institutions.

In a strongly worded statement, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Ernesto C. Torres Jr. underscored that the Constitution explicitly limits party-list representation to twenty percent of the total membership of the House. With 317 members in the 20th Congress, that cap is fixed at 63 seats. The creation of a 64th seat, he said, appears to go beyond what the law permits.

“We urge COMELEC to clarify how this decision aligns with the fundamental law it is sworn to uphold, as exceeding established limits risks eroding institutional integrity,” Torres stressed.

The task force further pointed out that the decision becomes even more contentious given the beneficiary. Gabriela Women’s Party, a left-leaning organization, remains the subject of a disqualification case filed before the poll body in 2019.

“While we firmly support the right of all sectors, including women, to genuine representation, awarding a House seat under these circumstances—while a disqualification case remains pending and constitutional limits are stretched—risks undermining public trust,” Torres said.

The NTF-ELCAC emphasized that the credibility of democratic processes rests on the unwavering observance of constitutional safeguards and full vetting of candidates. It called on COMELEC to reaffirm its “sacred duty as guardian of electoral and democratic processes” and ensure that its actions remain anchored in constitutional adherence.

“Decisions of this gravity must be anchored in unambiguous constitutional adherence and thorough vetting of all candidates, especially those with unresolved serious allegations. The Filipino people deserve institutions that prioritize the rule of law, national security, and the untainted integrity of our democracy,” Torres declared.

Legal analysts have noted that this case could set a dangerous precedent for party-list allocation in future Congresses. If left unaddressed, they warn, it may blur constitutional limits and open the door to challenges on the legitimacy of congressional representation.

NTF-ELCAC’s statement is expected to reignite debate not only on the mechanics of party-list allocation but also on the role of organizations facing disqualification cases in participating in lawmaking.

As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are now on COMELEC to provide clarity on its proclamation and to demonstrate that the integrity of Philippine democracy remains uncompromised.