Akbayan Party-List and Bag-ao Establish Independent Reform Bloc in Congress

In a significant political development, the Akbayan party-list representatives-elect, led by Chel Diokno, announced their intention to form an independent reform bloc alongside Dinagat Islands representative-elect Arlene Bag-ao. This coalition, which will operate within the 20th Congress of the Philippines, aims to champion progressive reforms and address pressing societal issues facing the nation.

The formation of this bloc comes after Akbayan secured over 2.7 million votes in the recent 2025 party-list elections, translating into three seats in the House of Representatives. As stated by Diokno, a human rights lawyer, the bloc is committed to delivering on its campaign promises, emphasizing the need for collaboration among legislators who are dedicated to instigating change within Congress. "We are set to form an independent, pro-people Akbayan Reform Bloc. We are ready to buckle down to work and deliver on our campaign promises to the Filipino people," Diokno affirmed in a press statement.

Akbayan's reform agenda includes several priority bills aimed at improving the lives of marginalized communities. Among these are the Anti-Endo Bill, which seeks to eliminate contractualization in labor, a proposed PHP 200 legislated wage hike, the Allowance is Essential Bill, and the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristic (SOGIE) Equality Bill. Additionally, the bloc intends to advocate for the rights of youth, senior citizens, farmers, and fisherfolk, as articulated by Representative Perci Cendaña, who indicated the importance of organizing these groups to exert pressure on Congress.

"The desire of our people for substantial solutions to the pressing problems they face is reflected in the historic support we received during the last election," Cendaña stated, highlighting how the voters' hopes propelled Akbayan to a significant electoral victory. He also noted that the election of diverse representatives, including a Moro woman and an indigenous individual, sends a powerful message about the representation of marginalized voices in Congress.

In addition to their reform initiatives, the Akbayan representatives plan to establish a West Philippine Sea bloc dedicated to advocating for the Philippines' sovereign territorial rights, particularly in light of China's increasing assertiveness in the region. Cendaña emphasized the need for a unified front in defending these rights.

The establishment of the Akbayan Reform Bloc sets the stage for a potentially transformative period in the Philippine legislature, as the representatives aim to leverage their electoral mandate to push for significant reforms and engage actively with other legislators who share similar goals. As the 20th Congress commences, the effectiveness of this coalition in addressing the urgent needs of the Filipino people remains to be seen, but the representatives' commitment to reform and advocacy for marginalized sectors signals a proactive approach to governance.