Percival "Perci" Vilar Cendaña (born September 6, 1976) is a Filipino politician. He is currently serving as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives representing Akbayan Party-list since September 25, 2024.
Perci Cendaña | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2024 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for the Akbayan Partylist | |
| Assumed office September 25, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Tomasito Villarin |
| Constituency | Party-list |
| Commissioner for Luzon of the National Youth Commission | |
| In office 2011–2016 | |
| President | Benigno Aquino III |
| Chair | Leon Flores III (2011–2013) Gio Tingson (2013–2016) |
| Chair of the UP Diliman University Student Council | |
| In office 1997–1998 | |
| Preceded by | Barry Gutierrez |
| Succeeded by | Giancarlo Sambalido |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Percival Vilar Cendaña September 6, 1976 Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines |
| Political party | Akbayan |
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines Diliman |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | Advocacy for youth rights, gender equality, and human rights |
Early life and education
editCendaña was born in the Philippines. He pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he completed his degree. His educational background laid the foundation for his future career in politics and activism.[citation needed]
Political career
editCendaña ran as the first nominee of Akbayan Party-list in the 2022 elections. Akbayan was proclaimed a winner in the party-list election after An Waray party-list was disqualified by the Philippine Commission on Elections on August 14, 2023.[1] Cendaña was sworn in on September 25, 2024.[2]
Advocacies
editLGBTQ+ rights
Cendaña has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the Philippines, emphasizing legal recognition, comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, and the creation of inclusive public spaces. His advocacy has been marked by strong support for legal frameworks that affirm the rights and identities of LGBTQ+ individuals. He has consistently pushed for laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and promotes inclusive policies that create safer environments for the LGBTQ+ community across different sectors.
Youth empowerment
Cendaña has also demonstrated a strong commitment to youth empowerment. Drawing on his experience as a former commissioner of the National Youth Commission, he has actively promoted youth participation in governance and policy-making. His initiatives focus on ensuring accessible, quality education and building safe, supportive spaces for young people to engage and thrive in their communities.
Drug policy
In November 2024, Cendaña, representing Akbayan, introduced House Bill No. 11044, known as the "Kian Bill." This proposed legislation seeks to ban practices such as "tokhang," drug lists, and torture associated with the Philippine drug war.[3]
References
edit- ^ De Leon, Dwight. "Comelec upholds cancellation of An Waray's registration". Rappler. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
- ^ De Leon, Dwight. "Akbayan back in the House after Comelec formalizes 2022 election win". Rappler. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
- ^ Sarao, Zacarian (November 4, 2024). "'Kian Bill' seeking to ban 'tokhang' filed in House". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 4, 2024.