Makabayan bares 10-strong Senate slate for Eleksyon 2025

The Makabayan coalition on Monday announced its 10 prospective candidates for senator for Eleksyon 2025, describing them as "true advocates for the Filipino people."

According to the coalition, the 10 are: 

1. ACT Teachers party-list Representative and House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro,
2. Gabriela Women’s Party party-list Representative and House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas,
3. Mody Floranda of PISTON transport group,
4. Mimi Domingo of Kadamay,
5. Jocelyn Andamo from Filipino Nurses United,
6. Jerome Adonis of Kilusang Mayo,
7. former National Anti-Poverty Commission chairperson Liza Maza,
8. former Bayan Muna party-list Representative Teddy Casiño,
9. Pamalakaya Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo, and
10. Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Chairman Danilo Ramos

"This slate represents our unwavering dedication to the principles of nationalism, democracy, and social justice," Bayan Muna Chairman and Makabayan Co-Chairperson Neri Colmenares said.

"Our candidates are not just leaders but are true advocates for the Filipino people, ready to push for policies that uplift the oppressed and marginalized sectors of our society." 

Nat'l Heroes' Day

Colmenares said they announced their senatorial slate on National Heroes' Day "to honor the legacy of the country's forebears in seeking free, just, and democratic Philippines."

The Makabayan coalition fielded Senate bets in the 2010, 2016, 2019 and 2022 elections, but never more than two in each election. None of these candidates, however, made it to the Top 12, although this does not seem to perturb Colmenares.

"Mahirap man manalo, dapat maipakita sa tao na basta may laban, may panalo," the former lawmaker told GMA News Online.

(While it is hard to win a Senate seat, we have to show the people that we will always fight, and that is also a way to win.)

Maza, who ran for the Senate in 2010, said Makabayan would need to effectively communicate to voters that their candidates were consistent with their principles, such as fighting for wage hikes, regularization of workers, P50,000 entry-level salary for teachers, comprehensive agrarian reform, opposition to extra-judicial killings, and Charter change, among others. 

"Makabayan is an advocacy party. We want to articulate and explain to the people na kami ang magiging boses nila sa kung ano ba ang kailangan ng ating  bayan. With those intentions, I feel that this run will yield positive results," Maza said in a press conference.

The filing of certificate of candidacy for those running in the 2025 elections will be on the first week of October 2024. —KBK, GMA Integrated News