Romnick Sarmenta says vote for Chel Diokno was ‘not wasted,’ praises Akbayan lawmaker

Actor Romnick Sarmenta has publicly expressed pride in supporting Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno during the 2025 midterm elections, saying he has no regrets about casting his vote for the lawyer and legislator.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on July 24, Sarmenta shared his thoughts on Diokno’s performance in public office, adding that he considers him deserving of a Senate seat.

“Walang nasayang sa pagboto kay Senator Chel Diokno. Kasama ‘yung sa akin doon. Wala akong binoto sa mga nag-iingay at nagmamagaling sa floor.”

The actor went on to express his happiness over Diokno’s work as a lawmaker while acknowledging that he currently serves as a congressman.

“Masaya ako para doon. Cheldren are proud of their senator. And yes, I know he is still a congressman, but to me he is a fitting senator.”

Sarmenta has long been vocal about social and political issues, frequently using his social media platforms to comment on matters involving governance, public accountability, and national affairs.

Before becoming the first nominee and representative of Akbayan Party-list, Diokno made two unsuccessful bids for the Senate. He first ran in the 2019 elections under the opposition coalition Otso Diretso, and again in 2022 as part of the Team Robredo-Pangilinan (TRoPa) slate, but failed to secure a seat on both occasions.

In the 2025 midterm elections, however, Diokno entered Congress through the party-list system as Akbayan’s first nominee, allowing him to continue pursuing legislative reforms and public service.

Diokno is the son of the late Jose W. Diokno, the former senator and Secretary of Justice widely regarded as the “Father of Human Rights” in the Philippines.