Student council and organization leaders from over 100 universities, colleges, and schools nationwide, representing at least half a million youth and student voters, today formally endorsed former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, former Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi Mendoza, and Akbayan Partylist for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.

In a press conference in Quezon City, the student leaders stressed that the three Senate candidates and Akbayan Partylist are the youth sector’s most dependable allies.

“They’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in the fight for increased education budgets, the passage of the Free Tertiary Education Law, the protection of student rights, and the campaign against corruption,” Rinoa Dela Cruz of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) College of Communication Student Council said.

“Atty. Chel Diokno of Akbayan Partylist has always defended student rights and welfare. Senator Bam didn’t just support free college—he authored the law. Senator Kiko has consistently pushed for bigger budgets for state universities and agriculture scholarships. Meanwhile, former COA Commissioner Heidi Mendoza has been a fearless anti-corruption crusader,” Jedryc Romero of Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Sanggunian added.

Four key youth proposals

The student leaders outlined four key proposals backed by the three Senate candidates and Akbayan Partylist: 1) the Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Bill, 2) the Allowance is Essential Bill for direct student aid, 3) the hiring of an “army of literacy tutors” to address widespread illiteracy, and 4) raising the education budget to 6% of the gross domestic product (GDP).

“These four priorities represent the youth’s concrete response to the education crisis in the country,” said Khristina Ricarder of UP ALYANSA. “We are aware of the challenges these reforms will face in an indifferent—or even hostile—Legislature. Kaya naman sasamahan namin sina Kiko, Bam, Heidi, at Akbayan hindi lang sa tagumpay sa halalan kundi pati sa pagsusulong ng mga batas na ito.”

Diokno thanks the students

Akbayan Partylist First Nominee Atty. Chel Diokno, who attended the media event, welcomed the endorsement as a vote of confidence in Akbayan’s long-standing commitment to youth-centered reforms.

“Akbayan Partylist proudly welcomes this endorsement from our youth and students. Ang mainit nilang pagtanggap sa Akbayan ay may kalakip na malaking responsibilidad. Binigyan kami ng assignment ng mga kabataan—at balak naming pumasa with flying colors,” he said.

This sentiment was echoed by Eiyo Aquino, nephew of former Senator Bam Aquino, who expressed the senatorial candidate’s deep gratitude to the youth for their overwhelming support and active engagement throughout the campaign.

“Not just protest votes, but victory votes”

“Our votes are not just protest votes. More importantly, they are victory votes. With 63% of the voting population being young people in the May 12 elections, it is time to show that our votes will shape our futures,” declared Xymoun Rivera of De La Salle University (DLSU) Student Government.

“The Kiko-Bam-Heidi-Akbayan slate has the best chance of winning. Senators Kiko and Bam are now within striking distance of the Magic 12. Comm. Heidi has gained strong momentum, rising seven points in the latest survey. Meanwhile, Akbayan Partylist continues to lead in campus surveys nationwide and now has the potential to win not just one, but up to three seats in Congress.” Matthew Silverio, Secretary-General of Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP)

Among those who endorsed the slate were student council leaders from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), convened by the national movement and formation of student councils and organizations—the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP).

Press Release
May 5, 2025