Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed her elation over the emerging results of the 2025 midterm elections, calling the apparent victories of several key opposition figures a turning point for progressive governance.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, May 13, Hontiveros highlighted the performance of former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, both of whom are within the Senate’s Top 12, along with the strong showings of Akbayan Partylist (led by Chel Diokno) and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist (with Leila de Lima as its first nominee).
“This isn’t just a simple comeback,” Hontiveros said. “This election proves that the Filipino people still desire a government with compassion, principles, and the courage to stand firm.”
As of 10:01 a.m. on May 13, Akbayan Partylist led the party-list race with 6.54% of the votes, or over 2 million votes, marking a historic feat for the progressive bloc.
“Once more, the Filipino people have brought Akbayan to the top of a very hard-fought party-list race,” she declared. “This is a historic win and a product of the people’s trust and collective action.”
She expressed deep gratitude to the voters, particularly young people, for supporting Akbayan and Chel Diokno.
“Special shoutout to our youth voters who served as game-changers in this election.”
Hontiveros also congratulated Aquino and Pangilinan, who currently hold the second and fifth spots, respectively, in the Senate race based on partial, unofficial results.
“You are the voices we desperately need in the Senate. I look forward to working with you both once again for the people.”
Hontiveros said she was thrilled that Akbayan and ML Partylist will be together in Congress, with a united focus on justice, human rights, and clean governance.
“Simple and clear is the people’s cry: Raise wages. Lower the cost of living. Make education accessible. Ensure accountability from those in power.”
She concluded her statement with a rallying call: “With Senators Kiko and Bam in the Senate, and Akbayan and ML Partylist in Congress, we will rise again—stronger, more united, and ready for the challenges ahead.”
“To the millions who joined us in this fight: Welcome. We can do this.”
Hontiveros, Diokno, Aquino, and Pangilinan share the same liberal-progressive ideology. A viral Facebook video from August 2024 even showed the four in a Friends-inspired skit with the caption “We’ll be there for you”—a now-poignant foreshadowing of the real-life political comeback that unfolded in this election.
