Akbayan picks LGBT activist, health advocate and feminist as partylist nominees

Akbayan Partylist on Sunday elected former National Youth Commission (NYC) Commissioner Percival Cendana, renowned health advocate Dr. Raymond John “RJ” Naguit, and Cebu Citizens’ Assembly founder Cristina Oganiza as the party’s first, second, and third partylist nominees for the 2022 elections. 

Cendana, Naguit, and Oganiza were elected by the delegates of Akbayan’s 8th Regular National Congress which was held online from July 31 to August 1. 

Aside from serving in the NYC, Cendana made history as the first openly gay student council chairperson of the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1997. He is a longtime LGBT rights champion and the former Chairperson of Akbayan.

Naguit is currently the spokesperson for Akbayan. He is the founder of the Youth for Mental Health Coalition and Chairperson of Akbayan Youth. He graduated with a degree in Nursing in 2012 and then obtained a degree in medicine from the University of Santo Tomas in 2017. 

Oganiza is the founder of the Cebu Citizens’ Assembly, which launched in 2017 as a coalition of civil society organizations against tyranny. She has also been an active organizer of Cebuano youth, students, and women with Akbayan–Cebu.

Akbayan’s 8th Regular National Congress carried the theme “Resbak (Resist and Pushback): Akbayan sa Pagbangon at Pagkakaisa.” 

Democracy leaders here and abroad led by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Senator Leila de Lima, Dinagat Governor Kaka Bag-ao and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno sent their messages of support for Akbayan. 

Possible presidential contenders Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson also sent their solidarity greetings.