Party-Lists Defend Names Amid Comelec’s Restrictions
Several party-list groups recently spoke out to defend their names after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced plans to prohibit the use of terms related to financial assistance and popular TV series titles in upcoming elections. The move has sparked debate among nominees who emphasize the importance of maintaining their identities.
During the proclamation of party-list winners for the 2025 elections, Representative-elect Brian Llamanzares, who is the first nominee of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list, shared his perspective. He acknowledged that the decision rests with Comelec but stressed the significance of party-lists continuing to represent marginalized sectors.
“Para sa akin naman, it’s up to Comelec what they decide to do. Ang importante lang para sa akin yung mga party-list continue to represent the marginalized and different groups,” Llamanzares said.
He clarified that the initials FPJ in their party-list stand for Food, Progress, and Justice, underscoring their pro-poor advocacy. “Kami po sa FPJ Panday Bayanihan, kahit FPJ po ang pangalan natin, pro-poor partylist po tayo, at syempre food, progress, and justice pa rin ang adbokasiya namin. Sana madagdagan po ang partylist na magrepresent ng marginalized,” he added.
Background on FPJ Panday Bayanihan and Related Party-Lists
FPJ refers to the late Fernando Poe Jr., a renowned Filipino action star famous for his roles in several television series, including “Panday.” The actor was the adoptive father of outgoing Senator Grace Poe, who is the mother of Llamanzares. The FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list secured the 15th spot in the recent 2025 elections.
Other groups that incorporated popular teleserye names in their titles include Batang Quiapo and Agimat.
4Ps Party-List Also Stands Firm on Its Name
Similarly, Marcelino Libanan, the first nominee of the Pagtibayin at Palaguin ang Pangkabuhayang Pilipino (4Ps) party-list and a returning representative, defended their party’s name. He pointed out that while some party-lists have used terms related to financial aid without success, the 4Ps name is widely recognized and rooted in established government programs.
“May mga party-list na gumamit ng ayuda, hindi naman nanalo di ba? Alam niyo yung 4Ps isang common na term sa marketing di ba… ‘Yan ang ginaya ng DSWD,” Libanan remarked.
The name 4Ps matches the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a conditional cash transfer initiative that supports impoverished Filipino families. The 4Ps party-list ranked fourth in the 2025 elections, earning two seats in the House of Representatives with over 1.4 million votes.
Other party-lists that incorporated ayuda-related terms include TUPAD party-list.
Comelec’s Ban on Certain Party-List Names
Last week, sources familiar with the matter conveyed that Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated the election commission will prohibit party-list groups from using names associated with popular TV shows and government financial assistance programs in future elections.
“Hindi na kami papayag sa susunod na accreditation process na gagamit sila ng mga sikat na telenovela na pangalan. Hindi kami papayag na gagamit sila ng mga pangalan ng ayuda. Hindi na po tama yun,” said the poll chief.
He emphasized that allowing such practices is inappropriate and that the commission aims to preserve the integrity of party-list names.
For more news and updates on party-list names, visit Filipinokami.com.