Party-List Race Fallout Weakens Women OFW Voices in Congress
Women and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remain vital sectors in the Philippines, yet the recent 2025 party-list race results suggest their influence in Congress may diminish. This shift stems from the Gabriela Women’s Party and OFW Party-list losing their seats in the upcoming 20th Congress. Both groups held one seat each in the current 19th Congress, which will adjourn on June 13.
Claims of Election Irregularities and Future Plans
Gabriela Party-list Representative Arlene Brosas accused the election process of unfairness, stating that her party and fellow Makabayan group Bayan Muna were deprived of victory in the May 12 polls. She condemned the dominance of political dynasties and wealthy businessmen in the party-list system, emphasizing it betrays the true spirit of representation fought for by the people.
Gabriela nominee Sarah Elago expressed the group’s commitment to continue advocating for women’s and marginalized sectors’ rights, regardless of the official Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclamation. “Hindi man tayo iproklama, tuloy ang pangangalampag ng Gabriela Women’s Party para sa mga panukalang batas na tunay na maka-kababaihan at maka-mahirap,” she affirmed.
Ongoing Legislative Advocacy
Elago detailed the legislative priorities the party will push forward, including amendments to the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Law, strengthening the Anti-Rape Law, advancing the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, wage increases, and repealing certain taxes like VAT and Excise Tax. They also plan to promote the Anti-Dynasty Law, advocate for a hybrid election system, pass the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB), and enhance social services such as health, education, and housing.
OFW Party-List Challenges and Community Response
Similarly, the OFW Party-list lost its representation in the House. Current congresswoman Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino confirmed they intend to contest the Comelec’s seat allocation before the Supreme Court. She stated, “We will fight for the right to representation of OFWs and seafarers all the way to the [SC]. Our voice should not be denied in Congress simply because of an inequitable and disproportionate distribution of seats.”
Various OFW and maritime groups voiced disappointment over the election outcome, highlighting the crucial role congressional representation plays in shaping policies affecting migrant workers. A seafarers’ rights coordinator from Manila remarked on the lack of a dedicated voice in Congress despite OFWs’ significant contributions to the economy and society.
Impact and Continuing Advocacy Efforts
The uneven distribution of seats has ignited discussions among election experts and sectoral advocates, especially since some groups with substantial votes failed to gain representation. Despite this setback, Magsino assured that the OFW Party-list will remain active and vocal. “We may not have a seat in the 20th Congress, but our service continues. We remain the voice of OFWs and seafarers, in every case, in every policy, in every struggle. We are not stepping back; we are stepping forward.”
The OFW Tulong at Serbisyo Center will stay operational, continuing to provide services and promote the party’s advocacy.
For more news and updates on party-list race fallout, visit Filipinokami.com.