Rana Mahmod

Human rights advocate Atty. Chel Diokno, the first nominee of the Akbayan party-list officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for a seat in the House of Representatives on October 7.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Star.

Formerly, Diokno withdrew from the senatorial state of the Liberal Party, alongside former senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.

Not long after his withdrawal, Diokno was sworn in by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros as a member of Akbayan Party on September 17.

Labor leaders Leody de Guzman and Luke Espiritu also announced their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the senatorial race.

Akbayan’s strong and extensive network of 50,000 members and allied movement is ready to support Diokno in the 2025 elections.

“Pareho lang ang paglilingkod.” says Diokno after his run for a seat in the House of Representatives instead of the senate. Previously, Diokno was unsuccessful in the senatorial race in 2019 and 2022 and now seeks a seat in the lower chamber.

Diokno was the first nominee of the Akbayan Party on September 28, Rep. Perci Cendaña as the party’s 2nd nominee, and Moro leader Dada Ismula as the third nominee.

Among Diokno’s notary achievements according to the Akbayan party-list is his advocacy for Human Rights, the leader of Free legal Assistance group, and 30+ years of free legal service.

Sen Hontiveros, the party’s highest seated official, noted that Akbayan founding 26 years ago, was partly motivated by the human rights activism of former Senator Jose “Ka Pepe” Diokno, Diokno’s father.

“Atty. Chel Diokno is a proven formidable and dependable ally in the fight for the rights of ordinary Filipinos. We are confident that he can do more in the legislative branch of government,” Hontiveros added.