Manila: The Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-list has pledged to continue promoting development in the Bicol Region following its recent success in securing two seats in the House of Representatives. This announcement came a day after the party was officially proclaimed by the Commission on Elections in Manila.
According to Philippines News Agency, Alfredo Garbin Jr., AKB's second nominee and the outgoing mayor of Legazpi City, expressed his gratitude to the public for the substantial support received during the recent midterm elections. The party-list garnered over a million votes, showcasing its strong backing not only within Bicol but also from other regions across the country.
In a social media post, Garbin highlighted the widespread support AKB received, attributing their achievement to the belief in their legislative agenda and the positive impact of their initiatives. He emphasized the party's commitment to continue collaborating with other party-lists, district representatives, and House leadership to drive further progress.
AKB ranked sixth nationwide, obtaining a total of 1,073,119 votes, which accounted for 2.56 percent of the total votes cast. This marked an increase from the party's performance in the 2022 elections, where they received 800,000 votes.
Garbin reaffirmed the party's dedication to advancing progress in Bicol and contributing to national prosperity. He identified key focus areas such as housing, employment, public health, social welfare, entrepreneurship, and disaster resilience as vital for the region's development.