The just- concluded electoral exercise exposed, among others, how traditional way of dealing politics invaded, and to a certain extent made a mockery of the partylist system which is supposedly the forefront in representing the broad interests of marginalized and underrepresented sectors and their struggles for progressive policies and reforms.
In the same elections, progressive partylist organizations like Akbayan! had been a favorite subject of various attempts- from negative campaigns to harassments and votes shaving- aimed to lessen representation, if not to defeat their (the partylists) participation in the system.
But despite all these, Akbayan survived. And even with a sole representative in Congress through Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel in the next three years, the Party will continue to serve its purpose and to what it started since 1998.
On behalf of Akbayan! Citizens Action Party- Cebu, I thank you for the continued support and trust to the Party's aspirations, programs, and principled positions. The fight continues.
(Sgd.) Ernie Al Ometer- Edralin
Campaign Coordinator for Cebu Province
Akbayan! Partylist