Metro Manila, Philippines—Chel Diokno, the first nominee of Akbayan and a prominent human rights lawyer, views the political divide between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte as a potential opportunity for progressive candidates in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Diokno acknowledged the competitive nature of the senatorial race, particularly with potential candidates backed by the two influential political families.
“Masikip talaga ang senatorial race. Marami ang tatakbo sa administrasyon, pati sa kampo ni dating Pangulong Detente at meron pang iba. At minabuti na rin namin na makapaglingkod po tayo either sa House or sa Senate. Ang gagawin pa rin natin ay batas,” Diokno said explaining his decision to prioritize his nomination with the Akbayan Partylist over a senatorial bid.
[Translation: Indeed, the senatorial race is tight. Many are running under the administration, including those aligned with former President Duterte, along with others. We have also decided to serve either in the House or the Senate, as our focus will remain legislation]
After unsuccessful attempts to secure a Senate seat in both the 2019 and 2022 elections, Diokno expressed concern about the challenges faced by candidates lacking significant resources. He emphasized the need for reforms to level the playing field for aspiring lawmakers.
“Medyo nababahala ako na hindi nagiging level ang playing field lalong-lalo na sa mga kumakandidato sa Senado. Dahil dehado kami sa resources compared sa mga iba na talagang marami silang kakayahan sa mga television ads, etc. And ito yung isang bagay na gusto ko rin sana kung sakaling makapasok tayo sa kongreso,” Diokno explained.
[Translation: I am quite worried that the playing field is not level, especially for those running for the Senate. We are at a disadvantage in terms of resources compared to others who have substantial capabilities for television ads and other forms of promotion. This is something I aim to address if I am elected to Congress]
He believes that the ongoing rift between political families such as the Marcoses and the Dutertes could open doors for other candidates.
“Malaking pagkakataon sa tingin ko yung kasalukuyang sitwasyon na medyo nagbabangayan ng dalawang kampo ng kasalukuyang administrasyon at yung dating Pangulong Duterte. This presents a very big opportunity for those who are progressive, yung mga progresibong kandidato. Dahil sa pag-aaway ng dalawang malalaking kampo may oportunidad ang mga progresibong kandidato na makapasok rin,” Diokno said.
[Translation: I see the current situation, where the two factions of the administration and former President Duterte are at odds, as a significant opportunity for progressive candidates. The conflict between these major political camps creates a chance for progressive candidates to gain traction]
Duterte has ditched any form of alliance with the Marcoses.
“Never again,” Duterte when asked by the media on Wednesday, Sept. 18, without elaborating.
Duterte and Marcos Jr. ran and won under the “UniTeam” in 2022.
“Wala hindi naman talaga kami nagkausap niyan hindi kami magkaibigan unang-una nagkakilala lang kami dahil naging magka-running mate kami,” Duterte told reporters in an ambush interview after attending the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability hearing.
[Translation: We’re not friends, and we were never close. We only met because we were running mates. Before that, we never spoke, and during the campaign, we only communicated for work.”]
Duterte said her last conversation with Marcos was when she resigned as education secretary in June.
The vice president also shared that she plans to rest during the 2025 midterm elections, and that she may reveal her 2028 plans by the last quarter of 2026.
In a separate interview earlier this month, Marcos said the line has been silent between him and the vice president.
“The last time I spoke to her was when she handed me her resignation, and we haven’t spoken since,” the president said.
Diokno prioritizes education, health, employment, and justice measures
Diokno outlined his intentions to propose initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and healthcare in the country should he win a seat in the House of Representatives.
He plans to advocate for job creation and legislation focused on ensuring justice for Filipinos. Diokno, who leads the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) founded by his father and former senator Jose W. Diokno, expressed his commitment to these vital issues.
