Akbayan Youth - Romblon

31/08/2026

20/07/2026

IPAMANA, HUWAG IPAMINA!

AKBAYAN! Youth – Romblon Chapter stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Sibuyan Island in their continuing struggle to protect their land, forests, waters, and communities from the threats posed by large-scale mining.

We express our profound concern over the recent resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando endorsing the application of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) for a Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility covering a proposed 42-hectare mining area in Barangay España. According to public reports, the resolution was approved by a vote of six councilors in favor, three against, and two absent. While this endorsement does not constitute the final approval of mining operations, it represents a significant step toward advancing the project.

Sibuyan Island is not merely a source of mineral resources—it is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, home to endemic wildlife, rich forests, pristine rivers, and communities whose livelihoods depend on a healthy environment. Its ecological importance has earned it the title of the “Galápagos of Asia.” Decisions affecting its future must prioritize environmental integrity, public welfare, and the voices of the people who have long defended their island.

We believe that genuine development cannot come at the expense of environmental destruction, the displacement of communities, or the erosion of sustainable livelihoods. Economic progress must be people-centered, ecologically responsible, and rooted in the principles of environmental justice.

We therefore join the people of Sibuyan in affirming our collective call:

No to destructive mining.
Yes to environmental protection.
Yes to sustainable livelihoods.
Yes to genuine development that respects both people and nature.

AKBAYAN! Youth – Romblon Chapter calls on all concerned government agencies to ensure that every succeeding decision on this application is transparent, evidence-based, and genuinely consultative, with full respect for environmental laws and the constitutional right of communities to a balanced and healthful ecology.

The future of Sibuyan is not for sale. We stand with the people of Sibuyan. Aton pinalangga na sibuyan, ipamana para sa masunod na mga henerasyon!

19/06/2026

DAD DUTY, UPGRADED?

Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno has filed a bill expanding leave from seven days to 105 days, arguing that raising a child is a shared responsibility and giving fathers more time to care for their newborns and support their families.

26/05/2026

Solid Bloc. 🇵🇭

26/05/2026

𝗔𝗞𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗢𝗦 𝗔𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗘

Akbayan Youth strongly condemns the appointment of Sen. Imee Marcos as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People's Participation, calling it a direct blow to long-overdue democratic reforms and a serious threat to the passage of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill. Handing the committee responsible for cleaning up the electoral system to a member of one of the country’s most powerful political dynasties undermines public trust and raises doubts about the Senate’s commitment to genuine reform.

“Parang pinabantay ang manok sa buwitre. Political dynasties are among the deepest roots of inequality and exclusion in Philippine politics, yet the Senate has placed a beneficiary of that very system in charge of reforming it. Paano uusad ang Anti-Political Dynasty Bill kung ang mamumuno sa usapin ay bahagi ng dinastiyang dapat nitong tugunan?” said Akbayan Youth National Chairperson Khylla Meneses.

Before the leadership shakeup, the committee was chaired by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who consistently pushed for democratic reforms, transparency, and greater political accountability in the Senate. For Akbayan Youth, the replacement of Hontiveros is not a routine reshuffle but a political maneuver that risks sidelining genuine electoral reforms at a time when public demand for restoring trust in the Senate and pervasive public scrutiny continues to grow.

“For young Filipinos, this sends a dangerous message: that political power remains reserved for a privileged few families and that meaningful reform can be sidelined whenever it threatens entrenched interests. Instead of throwing the gates of democracy wide open, the Senate has handed the keys back to the gatekeepers,” Meneses added.

Akbayan Youth vowed to continue campaigning for structural political reforms, including the immediate passage of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill. “The Constitution is clear that political dynasties must be prohibited as may be defined by law. The question is whether our leaders have the courage to finally act. Democracy cannot flourish while political power is inherited like family property. Hangga’t iilang apelyido ang paulit-ulit na naghahari sa pulitika, mananatiling mailap ang tunay na representasyon at pagkakataon para sa kabataang Pilipino,” Meneses concluded.