Earlier this November, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendaña sat a lunch interview with selected bloggers to discuss about Akbayan's platform and the bills they are pushing. Rep. Perci also gave his insights and comments about certain issues.
Here are two of the topics that we had discussed during the interview:
Akbayan files ‘Kian Bill’, pushes for a humane and health based approach to drug policy
Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendaña today filed the “Kian Bill” also known as the Public Health Approach to Drug Use Act to provide humane solutions to the drug problem while also giving robust protections for individuals’ rights. According to Rep. Cendaña the proposed bill is a 180-degree turn from the previous Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs which killed more than 30,000 people.
“The Kian Bill prevents the killing of more innocent Kians. Imbes na dahas at bala, solusyon natin ang magbigay ng karampatang lunas at direktang lingap sa mga drug users,” according to Rep. Cendaña.
“The proposed law bans the use of Tokhang or drug lists, torture, unlawful police interference, and other cruel methods used in the drug war,” Rep. Cendaña stressed.
The Kian Bill also has a counterpart measure in the upper house filed by Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros. The bill provides a community-based health approach and social support interventions. Recently, the war on drugs has received greater public scrutiny with the House of Representatives' QuadComm investigating former President Duterte's involvement in EJKs coupled with his recent admission in the Senate of the existence of the Davao Death Squad, his admin's past PNP chiefs' involvement, and ordering police officers to provoke drug suspects to justify their killing.
Chel files PL candidacy under Akbayan: "Every seat won by progressives is one less for dynasties"
Young supporters of Akbayan Partylist gathered today in a spirited show of solidarity as the group’s nominees—Rep. Perci Cendaña, Atty. Chel Diokno, and Moro women and indigenous people's leader Dadah Kiram Ismula—filed their Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The lively sendoff featured a teal-themed rally, complete with a pep squad from Akbayan Youth leading chants and waving pompoms, showcasing the energy and optimism of the party's grassroots base.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Akbayan, which is the political party of Senator Risa Hontiveros, recognizes the challenges of the coming election and remains committed to representing genuine reform against entrenched political dynasties.
“Imbes na interes ng sariling pamilya ang isusulong ng mga nakaupo sa Kongreso, ang kailangan ng bayan ngayon ang mga mambabatas na lalaban para sa kapakanan ng ordinaryong Pilipino,” said Atty. Chel Diokno said, emphasizing his choice to fight alongside Akbayan in the partylist race. “Solid ang track record at plataporma ng Akbayan Partylist—progresibo, makatao at para sa bayan. Ang Akbayan ay naniniwala na ang Tunay na power ng bayan ay ang pwersa ng mamamayang Pilipino.”
Rep. Perci Cendaña for his part, highlighted Akbayan's long-standing reputation for public service and reform. "Akbayan’s track record is beyond doubt. We are not just the longest-serving partylist organization; our record speaks for itself. From fighting for the RH Law, CARPER, Cheaper Medicines Act to the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, Mental Health Act, and the Bawal Bastos Law, Akbayan has consistently stood at the forefront of meaningful reforms . We will also participate in the Quad hearings to hold the Dutertes and others involved accountable for the bloody drug war that killed thousands."
Third nominee, Dadah Kiram Ismula, expressed her determination to champion the rights of Moro women and indigenous communities. "We need true representation in Congress—one that understands the struggles of marginalized communities. As a Moro woman and an advocate for indigenous peoples, I will fight to ensure that the voices of our communities are heard, respected, and valued."
Meanwhile, here is our live video interview with Rep. Perci:
Akbayan Youth Chairperson and partylist fourth nominee Justine Balane also shared her enthusiasm, noting the dynamic role of young people in the party. "Akbayan may be the longest-serving partylist, but we are eternally young. We are proud of our very robust young membership that keeps us vibrant, passionate, and ready to pursue real change."
In addition to running in the partylist race, Akbayan is asserting its status as a progressive national political party by fielding over a hundred candidates in local races, from municipal to provincial positions, in the upcoming 2025 elections. 11/25/2024 (The Lifestyle Portal)
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