Chel Diokno joins Hontiveros’ party for 2025 polls

Metro Manila, Philippines – Human rights advocate Chel Diokno has joined the Akbayan party of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday, Sept. 17, for his senatorial bid in the 2025 midterm elections.

Diokno took oath before the lawmaker who is the party’s chairman emeritus.

In a post on X, Diokno said the move is an important step in strengthening his fight for human rights.

“Ang alyansang ito ay magbibigay-daan para ipagpatuloy ko ang Diokno legacy sa pagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao, kasama ang progresibong adhikain ng Akbayan,” Diokno said.

[Translation: This alliance will pave the way for me to continue the Diokno legacy in upholding human rights, including the progressive advocacies of Akbayan]

Diokno is poised to be part of the Hontiveros-backed slate with former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.

The human rights lawyer failed to secure a Senate seat twice - first in 2019 where he ran under the Liberal Party, and in 2022 under the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report