Akbayan’s remarkable comeback

The return of Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party to the House of Representatives in the 2025 midterm elections marks a pivotal moment in Philippine politics.

After consecutive defeats in the 2019 and 2022 elections, which nearly led to its delisting, Akbayan’s resurgence underscores the resilience of progressive movements and the enduring appeal of reformist politics in the country.

Established in 1998, Akbayan was among the pioneering partylist groups in the Philippines, consistently securing seats in Congress until its first electoral loss in 2019. This defeat, followed by another in 2022, placed the party at risk of being removed from the official roster of party-list organizations, as per the rules governing groups that fail to win seats in two consecutive elections.

However, a significant turn of events occurred in September 2024 when the Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed Akbayan a winner in the 2022 partylist race.

This decision came after the Supreme Court upheld the cancellation of An Waray’s party-list registration, leaving a vacant seat that Akbayan, which had ranked 57th in the 2022 elections, was next in line to fill.

Percival Cendaña, Akbayan’s first nominee and a former National Youth Commission commissioner, was designated to occupy the seat until 30 June 2025.

Akbayan’s return to Congress is more than a procedural adjustment; it symbolizes the reentry of a progressive voice in a legislative body predominantly aligned with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

With the opposition in the House reduced to a few members, including the Makabayan bloc and select Liberal Party representatives, Akbayan’s presence offers a renewed platform for advocating democratic reforms and holding the government accountable.

The party’s comeback also reflects the broader dynamics of political resilience and the importance of legal avenues in safeguarding democratic representation.

Akbayan’s successful appeal to fill the vacated seat demonstrates how institutional mechanisms can be leveraged to uphold the principles of fair representation, even amid challenging political landscapes.

Looking ahead, Akbayan has signaled its intent to strengthen its role as a leading opposition force. The party has named human rights lawyer Chel Diokno as its first nominee for the 2025 elections, indicating a strategic move to consolidate progressive voices and challenge entrenched political interests.

This decision aligns with Akbayan’s history of endorsing reform-oriented candidates and its commitment to social justice and human rights.

As a whole, the vitality of democratic processes and the enduring relevance of progressive advocacy underscore the potential for political renewal and the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of inclusive governance.

With the 2025 elections behind us now, Akbayan’s resurgence offers a beacon of hope for those seeking meaningful change and a more representative political landscape.