“Akbayan’s record in electoral politics has gone through highs and lows, and this election represents a watershed in their evolution”
We’re glad that Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan are returning to their previous job at the Senate, where they will join hands with Sen. Risa Hontiveros in reinforcing the genuine opposition and defending our civil and political rights and our fundamental freedoms from colleagues unwilling to alter the status quo and bring about real change in Philippine society.
Yes, there’s going to be three senators with progressive views and 21 other lawmakers and local officials who are neither traditional politicians, members of political dynasties, or those who tend to subtract from the sum of human intelligence every time they open their mouths.
The triumvirate of Bam, Kiko and Risa is a welcome addition to a Senate that’s supposed to represent the best and the brightest minds in the land but, sadly, has degenerated over the years into a gathering of traditional politicians seemingly with little concern—nor the intellect—to craft laws for a better future for this nation.
Congratulations, Akbayan
We’re glad as well that Akbayan has topped the party-list race and will be able to field a total three representatives in Congress led by Chel Diokno, founding dean of the De La Salle University College of Law and chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group or FLAG.
We’ve followed Akbayan since its founding in the 1990s as a vehicle for participation in mainstream electoral politics by those who had disaffiliated themselves from the revolutionary underground due to ideological and political differences.
Over the years, Akbayan’s record in electoral politics has gone through highs and lows, and this election represents a watershed in their evolution.
We’re quoting pertinent parts of their statement on the result of the 2025 partylist election.
“With deep gratitude, we thank the over 2.6 million Filipinos who lifted Akbayan to the top ranks of the 2025 party-list elections. This is more than double our vote in 2010—and a soaring triumph from 2022, when we barely held on to the last seat. From the margins to the summit, this is a victory for hope, for love of country, and for progressive politics.
“In a political landscape long dominated by political dynasties, trapos, and the machinery of big business, Akbayan’s rise is nothing short of historic. This is more than a comeback, it is a bold step toward a new kind of politics. It is the people’s resounding answer to the politics of cynicism and despair. It proves that when we fight with integrity, organize with compassion, and choose solidarity over surrender, we can overcome even the steepest odds.
“We also take pride in the victories of our local government candidates—and in the brave campaigns of those who fell short this time. Some of these victories are the election of Taytay Councilor and Akbayan Vice Chair Tobit Cruz, Mayor Fely Pedrablanca of Tubajon, Dinagat, San Jose Del Monte Councilor Atty. Ronalyn Pordan, Pasig District 1 Councilor Paul Senogat, and many more. Their efforts affirm that Akbayan is not merely a partylist, but a full-fledged progressive political party: principled, persistent, and present in every arena of governance.
“We share this victory with our allies in the struggle for a better future: To Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, whose return to the Senate rekindles hope…To ML Party-list nominee Leila de Lima, who will stand in Congress with our own representatives…To Mayor-elect Leni Robredo, who brings light once again to Naga…To Heidi Mendoza, whose first Senate run impressed many…To Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, for proving each day that trapo politics is not our only choice…To Kaka Bag-ao, returning as Dinagat Islands’ congressional representative…And to Senator Risa Hontiveros, whose leadership brought us all together—and brought hope and victory home.
“With them, Akbayan will begin building a new democratic and reform bloc in Congress and in the Senate—committed to the people’s rights, welfare, and the defense of our sovereignty and democracy.
“But most of all, this moment belongs to our tireless volunteers, especially the thousands of Akbayan Cheldren; our allied social movements and basic sectors, and every Filipino who dared to hope, organize, and believe again. We proved that politics can be principled, that campaigns can be kind, and that love of country can triumph over fear and apathy.
“Because this is what it means to love. To choose courage over hopelessness. To rise, even when the odds say no. To fight—not just for ourselves, but for each other.
“Kapag mahal mo, Akbayan mo.” (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)