Senatorial aspirant and Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas will stand up against abusive and sexist politicians as well as advance pro-women and pro-children reforms in the 20th Congress if she get elected for the position.

Brosas kicked off her senatorial campaign on Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Manila as she joined other aspirants seeking seats in the next polls under the Makabayan bloc.

Her campaign promise stemmed from the supposed persistent dominance of political dynasties, which she said has concentrated power and wealth among a few families at the expense of poor majority.

"Paulit-ulit na apelyido ang mga nasa kapangyarihan, habang paulit-ulit ding nagugutom, naghihirap, at inaabuso ang mamamayan (It is the same families over and over again who are in power, while Filipinos remain hungry, struggling and abused)," she said, as results of recent senatorial race surveys showed that the leading candidates came from same ruling political clans and showbiz personalities.

Brosas also vowed to challenge senatorial candidates who were known for being anti-women, anti-poor and complicit in corruption and crimes against the Filipino people.

"Kailangan natin ng senador na lalaban sa mga bastos, tiwali, at mapagsamantala. Hindi tayo papayag na muling manaig ang mga kandidatong pumapanig sa kasamaan at kadiliman! Ang Senado ay dapat para sa taumbayan, hindi pugad ng mga abusado! (We need a senator that will fight against those who are rude, corrupt and those who take advantage. We will not let candidates who side with the evil. The Senate should be for the public, and not for the abusive)" she said.

Despite not having billions worth of campaign funds, the Makabayan senatorial bet is still confident her candidacy would gain momentum through rigorous grassroots campaign to highlight her record of genuine public service, notable legislative achievements and pro-people platform.

Brosas is a three-term Gabriela Party-list representative in the House who has led the passage of laws protecting women and children, including the Safe Spaces Law, Occupational Safety and Health Law, 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, and amendments to the Anti-Rape Law, according to her team.

Meanwhile, her pro-people legislative agenda, which focuses on combating abuse and pushing for socio-economic reforms, include:

• Amending the Anti-Rape Law and provide SAFE Kits for rape victims.
• Expanding the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act to cover electronic violence
• Passing the Divorce Bill
• Enacting the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression, and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill.
• Eliminating corruption and confidential funds.
• Lowering prices of essential goods by removing VAT and excise taxes on oil, LPG, and other petroleum products
• Repealing the Oil Deregulation Law and Rice Tariffication Law.
• Pushing for ₱1,200 national family living wage
• Advocating for the Magna Carta for Day Care Workers.
• Securing additional benefits for solo parents.
• Ensuring housing programs for Filipinos.