(Makabayan bloc)

The Makabayan coalition on Thursday, July 11, says it is currently in the process of fielding a complete slate of 12 senatorial candidates for the upcoming 2025 mid-term elections.

In a statement, the group said it will field a full slate of progressive candidates who share principles rooted in the desire to establish comprehensive programs that are responsive to the call for societal progress, respect for rights, and full national sovereignty.

“Nagsimula na kami ng proseso ng pagbubuo ng slate at masasabing marami ang kinukunsidera para sa pagtakbo,” Makabayan said, noting that the slate will be under the guise of “oposisyon ng bayan”, (the people’s opposition).

(We have already started the process of building the slate and it can be said that many are being considered to run.)

“Hindi sila mula sa angkan ng mga mayayaman o mga dinastiya sa pulitika. Hindi kurap, hindi tagapagtanggol ng interes ng iilan. Maipagmamalaki namin na mula sila sa hanay ng mga manggagawa, magsasaka, kababaihan, kabataan, mangingisda, katutubo at ibang sektor na matagal nang tinatanggalan ng boses sa kongreso,” the statement read.

(They are neither from wealthy families nor political dynasties. Neither corrupt nor a defender of the interests of a few. We can be proud that they are from the ranks of workers, farmers, women, youth, fishermen, indigenous people, and other sectors that have been deprived of a voice in Congress for a long time.)

Makabayan said that they will have senatorial candidates who have firm principles, a well-proven track record, and strong support from the masses. 

The group has so far announced outgoing ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro as its first candidate for the Senate in next year’s polls.

In a press conference on Thursday, Makabayan member and former Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares said his group will prioritize its own prospective candidates; however, they are not closing the door on candidates from other political affiliations who share their principles. 

These candidates must also stand for genuine land reform, wage hike, national industrialization, the promotion of national sovereignty, the safeguarding of human rights, the fight against corruption, and the promotion of peace talks, the group said.

When asked if they would adopt the initial senatorial bets from the Liberal Party (LP), former ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said they have yet to conduct a formal dialogue with them.

Last February, LP Spokesperson former Senator Leila De Lima said the party would field former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, and Chel Diokno as its senatorial candidates. 

In the same statement, Makabayan noted that the 2025 elections will be “crucial” in combating politicians under the Marcos and Duterte camps.

“Ang oposisyon ng bayan na kailangan ngayon ay hindi lamang sa usapin ng pagtunggali sa nakaupong administrasyon kundi oposisyon sa umiiral na sistemang pinaghaharian ng at pinakikinabangan ng iilang dinastiyang pulitikal, malalaking negosyante, panginoong maylupa at mga imperyalista,” the group said.

(The people’s opposition that is needed today isn't only one that can oppose the sitting administration, but an opposition to the existing system ruled by and benefiting a few political dynasties, big businessmen, landlords, and imperialists.)

“Sa darating na halalan, taos-puso naming iniaalay sa mamamayang Pilipino ang Makabayan, oposisyon ng bayan, tagapagsulong ng bagong pulitika, at tagapagtaguyod ng plataporma ng tunay na pagbabago,” it added.

(In the upcoming elections, we sincerely offer to the Filipino people Makabayan, the people’s opposition, promoters of new politics, and advocates of the platform of real change.)