In the Public Square: Ano ang sikreto ng Akbayan?

What’s the story behind Akbayan’s success? What’s their secret sauce?

MANILA, Philippines – Three years ago, the Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party (Akbayan) was on the brink of being delisted. Now it has roared back to life, winning three seats in the 2025 midterm elections, and gaining the most number of party-list votes in history — almost 2.8 million votes. 

What’s the story behind Akbayan’s success? What’s their secret sauce?

Akbayan’s three representatives in the 20th Congress are Chel Diokno, Perci Cendana, and Haima Kiram Ismula. To that list we must add two names the public is already beginning to know. 

In this episode of In The Public Square, Rappler columnist John Nery is joined by Akbayan president Rafaela “Paeng” David, and Akbayan Youth chairperson Justine Balane.

Watch the episode on Wednesday, May 21, at 8 pm. – Rappler.com