Metro Manila, Philippines – Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno is seeking a seat in the House of Representatives for the 2025 midterm race as the first nominee of Akbayan party-list, he confirmed on Saturday, Sept. 28.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Diokno said it is an honor to represent the party and push for its principles in the elections.
Diokno joined Akbayan on Sept. 17 and took his oath before the party’s chairman emeritus and opposition senator Risa Hontiveros.
“We shall buckle down on protecting the welfare of the Filipino people, upholding our democracy and holding the corrupt accountable,” Diokno said.
“Ipanalo natin sa Kongreso ang kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino,” he added.
[Translation: We will champion the welfare of every Filipino in Congress]
Prior to his congressional run, Diokno was rumored to be part of the Hontiveros-backed slate with former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.
The human rights lawyer failed to secure a Senate seat twice – first in 2019 where he ran under the Liberal Party, and in 2022 under the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.
