NAMFREL urges Congress to pass key electoral reforms

The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) submitted a comprehensive electoral reform legislative agenda to the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms on Nov. 10, 2025, calling for transformative changes ahead of the 20th Congress’ deliberations.

The proposal was submitted a day before the committee’s first regular meeting under the new chairmanship of Representative Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong.

NAMFREL outlined 12 priority legislative measures designed to address long-standing flaws in the Philippine electoral system and modernize it for the digital age.

The proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act seeks to enforce a constitutional ban on political dynasties that has remained unimplemented for nearly four decades.

The Campaign Finance Transparency Act calls for real-time disclosure of campaign spending and the imposition of indexed limits to close “the primary conduit of corruption.”

NAMFREL also proposed the Philippine Anti-Corruption in Elections Act, which would introduce RICO-style prosecution frameworks aimed at dismantling “electoral racketeering networks.”

To replace the outdated 1985 election code, NAMFREL recommends the Election Code Modernization Act, which would integrate technologies such as blockchain, biometric verification, and open-source systems into the electoral process.

The Political Party Strengthening Act proposes reforms such as mandatory candidate fielding, the establishment of party institutes, and anti-turncoatism provisions to ensure party accountability.

NAMFREL is also pushing for the Electoral Justice Reform Act, which would separate adjudication from election administration, allowing the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to concentrate on electoral management.

Additional proposed reforms target improvements in voter education, media access, gender parity, election integrity, COMELEC capability, and collaboration with civil society.

The reform package is backed by detailed provisions, explanatory notes referencing NAMFREL’s historical positions, alignment with international standards, and continuity from initiatives of the 19th Congress.

NAMFREL said the agenda reflects decades of experience from ground-level election monitoring, technical research, and engagement with global best practices.

In its cover letter to Chairperson Adiong, NAMFREL pledged its technical support, offering over 40 years of documentation, advocacy coordination, and public education resources to help drive the reforms forward.

NAMFREL also committed to “continuous monitoring and independent evaluation of implementation,” as well as facilitating partnerships with international electoral assistance organizations.

The organization’s legislative push comes amid persistent issues in Philippine democracy, including the dominance of political dynasties, opaque campaign finance, weak party systems, outdated election laws, and vulnerabilities in electoral technology.

NAMFREL framed the moment as critical for change, stating: “The time for transformational electoral reform is now.”