Social media personality Diwata joins party-list race

Metro Manila, Philippines— A social media personality has joined the congressional race through a party-list group that seeks to improve the welfare of vendors.

Deo Balbuena, popularly known as ‘Diwata,’ is the fourth nominee of the Vendors party-list.

Diwata has gained popularity for his affordable street business called “pares overload” and became the favorite feature of local influencers.

After filing the group’s certificate of candidacy, Diwata said the group aims to address issues such as simplifying business permits and preventing harsh clearing operations targeting street vendors.

"Ang adbokasiya po ng Vendors party-list ay tulungan iangat ang bawat maninindang Pilipino [The Vendors party-list aims to help uplift each Filipino vendor]," Diwata said.

He noted the creation of cooperatives to assist vendors in formalizing their businesses and accessing resources.

Diwata shared how his experience as a vendor fueled his advocacy for street vendors' rights, in particular supporting vendors who lack formal stalls.