The incoming congressmen of Akbayan Party-list admitted on Monday, May 19, that they were also "shook"--or shocked--by the outcome of the 2025 mid-term elections, where they landed first overall in the party-list race.
"Shook kami lahat sa naging resulta (We were all shocked by the results)," congressman-elect Chel Diokno said in an interview after their proclamation at the Manila Hotel.
Akbayan garnered 2,779,621 total number of votes. During the previous 2022 elections, they did not initially make it to the winners' circle.
Diokno said Akbayan will push for measures that will address issues affecting the "stomach of the ordinary Filipinos".
These include the rising prices of basic goods and the education crisis, among others.
"Marami kaming nakaplano (We have a lot planned)," he added. He said the group will file a lot of bills and resolutions in the coming days.
In a statement, Akbayan says they are committed to working with their fellow lawmakers who share a deep commitment to progressive reforms.
Other Akbayan congressmen-elect, Perci Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, will join Diokno in forming a new bloc in the House called "Akbayan Reform Bloc." They will also be joined by Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.
Akbayan said their core mission is to advance justice, demand accountability, and pursue meaningful reforms for the Filipino people.
"We thank the Filipino people for their trust and for giving us the opportunity to continue delivering the dedicated service that Akbayan Party-list is known for," Diokno said.
"We will not let you down," he vowed.
Cendaña said the mid-term polls proved that despite the spread of disinformation and well-entrenched political machinery, the people's will can still prevail.
For Ismula, Akbayan's return to Congress also marks a milestone for indigenous people's representation in policymaking.