# Perci Cendaña

Percival "Perci" Vilar Cendaña (born September 6, 1976) is a Filipino politician and advocate for youth rights, gender equality, and human rights. He is currently serving as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, representing the Akbayan Party-list since September 25, 2024.

## Early life and education

Cendaña was born on September 6, 1976, in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. He pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. During his time at UP Diliman, Cendaña became actively involved in student activism, serving as Chair of the UP Diliman University Student Council from 1997 to 1998. His early involvement in student leadership and advocacy laid the foundation for his future career in politics and public service.

## Political career
### Early career

After graduating, Cendaña continued his advocacy work, focusing on youth empowerment and human rights. In 2011, he was appointed as Commissioner for Luzon of the National Youth Commission (NYC) under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. During his tenure, he championed programs for youth development, education, and participation in governance.

### Election to the House of Representatives

Cendaña ran as the first nominee of the Akbayan Party-list in the 2022 elections. Although Akbayan initially fell short of securing a seat in the House of Representatives, the party was later proclaimed a winner after the disqualification of the An Waray party-list by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on August 14, 2023. Cendaña was sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives on September 25, 2024.

## Advocacies
### LGBTQ+ rights

Cendaña has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the Philippines. He has emphasized the need for 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. Cendaña has consistently pushed for laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as policies that promote safer and more inclusive environments for the LGBTQ+ community across various sectors.

### Youth empowerment

Drawing on his experience as a former commissioner of the National Youth Commission, Cendaña has been a strong advocate for youth empowerment. He has actively promoted youth participation in governance and policy-making, emphasizing the importance of accessible, quality education and the creation of 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. The bill is named after Kian delos Santos, a teenager whose death during an anti-drug operation sparked national outrage. Cendaña's bill aims to promote accountability and human rights in the government's approach to drug enforcement.

## Personal life

Cendaña is an openly gay man. He also survived a stroke which affected his facial expressions.