In the aftermath of the 2025 midterm elections, the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist and Akbayan Partylist have expressed plans to collaborate in the House of Representatives, aiming to advance justice, human rights, and legislative reform.
Former senator Leila de Lima is making her return to Congress as the representative of ML Partylist, which secured the 14th spot in the party-list race with 547,949 votes. Meanwhile, Akbayan, led by renowned human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, topped the elections with over 2.77 million votes—earning three seats in the lower chamber. These seats will be filled by Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula.
De Lima marked the occasion by sharing a photo alongside Diokno, Cendaña, and Ismula, captioned: “We did it! ML Partylist Akbayan sa Kongreso! Tuloy ang laban para sa hustisya at reporma!” Akbayan joined in the celebration on social media, reposting the image with the caption: “Akbayan x ML, OTP! We love to see you back, Manay!”
The two progressive groups share a longstanding history of pushing for the rights of marginalized communities and holding power to account. De Lima and Diokno were part of the same senatorial slate in 2022, though both were unsuccessful in that race. Their renewed roles in Congress now signal a revitalized progressive front in the legislature.
Akbayan’s return to Congress marks a significant rebound after previous electoral challenges, reinforcing its commitment to a people-first governance, an independent foreign policy, and the defense of Philippine sovereignty. Both De Lima and Diokno, human rights lawyers and first nominees of their respective parties.
With their partnership, ML and Akbayan are expected to strengthen the push for inclusive policymaking and human rights advocacy in the country’s legislative arena.
