Human rights and justice advocate Atty. Chel Diokno formally took his oath as a member of Akbayan Party, solidifying a strong alliance for the 2025 midterm elections.
On Tuesday, Diokno was sworn in by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros during a brief ceremony attended by Akbayan Party President Rafaela David and fellow human rights advocate Etta Rosales.
“I express my sincerest gratitude to Akbayan Party for welcoming me into its fold with open arms. No cause is indeed more worthy than the cause of human rights and I see this partnership as an avenue to continue the Diokno legacy of human rights alongside Akbayan’s progressive and reform-oriented politics,” Diokno said.
Diokno also extended his gratitude to the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP) for its support.
“Atty. Chel's decision to join Akbayan brings new energy and inspiration to our efforts in building a stronger opposition and a genuine democratic alternative to the entrenched political dynasties in our country,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros further noted that Diokno is a proven, formidable, and dependable ally in the struggle for the rights of ordinary Filipinos.
"We are confident that he can do more in the legislative branch of government,” said Hontiveros.
According to Senator Hontiveros, the founding of Akbayan 26 years ago was partially motivated by the human rights advocacy championed by Diokno’s father, former Senator Jose “Ka Pepe” Diokno.
Akbayan's 50,000-strong electoral network, made up of party members and allied mass movements, is prepared to back the human rights advocate in the 2025 elections.
Prior to his official affiliation with Akbayan, Diokno had been working alongside the party to safeguard civil rights through the Free Legal Assistance Group, which he leads.
