Makabayan bets: Elect those who prioritize public interest

The Makabayan coalition, alongside the Bayan Muna party-list, held their global proclamation rally on Sunday in Hong Kong, where the coalition’s senatorial candidates urged voters to elect leaders who prioritize the welfare of ordinary Filipinos.

Three of the coalition’s 11 senatorial hopefuls attended the event: Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, and former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza.

“Ang pipiliin yung kumakatawan sa atin at ipagtatanggol yung ating karapatan,” Casiño said.

(Choose leaders who will genuinely represent us and protect our rights.)

He criticized the dominance of political dynasties, celebrities, hacienderos, and the wealthy in government, likening it to a “family corporation.”

He also urged voters to see the election as a “political statement” rather than a game of betting on likely winners.

“Yung election tratuhin natin na parang political statement. Huwag nating tratuhin sugal ang election na kung sino ang panalo, yun yung iboboto mo,” Casiño added.

Maza, meanwhile, encouraged voters to scrutinize candidates' political platforms, highlighting the Makabayan coalition’s push for a nationwide P1,200 minimum wage. Currently, the daily minimum wage in the National Capital Region stands at P645 for non-agricultural workers.

Brosas reiterated the coalition’s commitment to championing measures for women, children, LGBTQIA+ rights, and additional allowances for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desk officers.

Bayan Muna party-list first nominee Neri Colmenares emphasized the importance of not only knowing a candidate’s platform but also their track record and stance on key issues.

“Gawing nating issue sa election ang mahahalgang usapin ng taong bayan,” Colmenares said.

(Let the people’s most pressing concerns take center stage in the elections.)

Among these issues are the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte; the abolition of political dynasties; the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on electricity, water, and petroleum products; and the nationwide increase of the minimum wage.

The Bayan Muna party-list also vowed to work toward lowering the prices of basic goods, providing free public services, protecting the environment, and ensuring that public funds benefit the general population. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

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