Perci Cendaña

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Vilar and the surname or paternal family name is Cendaña.

Perci Cendaña
Official portrait, 2024
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for the Akbayan Partylist
Incumbent
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 (1976-09-06) 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

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.

Early life and education

Cendaña 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.

Political career

Cendaña 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. Cendaña was sworn in on September 25, 2024.

Advocacies

LGBTQ+ 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.