The Makabayan Coalition convened on Saturday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila, to unveil their platform and introduce their aspirants for the 2025 midterm elections.

Under the banner "Taumbayan sa Senado" (The People in the Senate), the senatorial lineup represents a diverse range of sectors: Jocelyn Andamo, a registered nurse; Mody Floranda, president of transport group PISTON; Mimi Doringo, secretary-general of the urban poor group Kadamay; ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro; Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas; Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary-general Jerome Adonis; Pamalakaya vice chairperson Ronnel Arambulo; Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas chair Danilo Ramos; former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza; former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño; and Sandugo Co-chairperson and indigenous Morong leader, Almirah Lidasan. 

Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary-general Jerome Adonis explained the reason behind the slogan "Taumbayan sa Senado." He pointed out that for a long time, the Senate has been dominated by political dynasties, with power passed down within families. According to Adonis, this system has not led to any significant improvement in the lives of ordinary Filipinos. 

'Super Pork': Makabayan bloc blasts unprogrammed funds in proposed budget 

"Ordinaryong mamamayan ang kinatawan para makalikha tayo ng batas na talagang tutugon dun sa kailangan ng mamamayan. Walang ibang makakaresolve po nun sa senado kundi yung galing mismo sa ordinaryong mamamayan," Adonis said.

(Ordinary citizens should be the ones representing us to create laws that truly address the needs of the people. No one else in the Senate can resolve those issues except those who come from the ordinary citizens themselves.)

Former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza highlighted that their focus is on pushing for concrete programs.

"Ang Makabayan mismo may plataporma hindi yung base lang sa traditional na politiko na personality based. We are really pushing for a program to address this crisis," Maza said. 

(Makabayan itself has a platform that is not based on traditional, personality-driven politics. We are really pushing for a program that addresses this crisis.)

The aspirants’ platforms focus on key issues such as raising workers' wages, lowering the cost of essential goods, ending contractualization, asserting sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, repealing the Anti-Terrorism Act, and putting a stop to red-tagging, illegal arrests, and detentions. They also prioritize addressing climate change, and advancing the rights and welfare of fishermen, farmers, nurses, and teachers. Additionally, they are advocating for an anti-political dynasty law and a stronger fight against corruption.

When asked how they plan to win, considering the top 12 senatorial aspirants are well-known personalities, they emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts and education.

"Even sa ibang mga bansa ay nagbabago ng ating binoboto, so ibig sabihin may pag-asa talagang magbago 'yung kalagayan at 'yun ay nasa edukasyon, pagpunta sa grassroots talaga, sa mga komunidad, pagpaalala na sila ang may kapangyarihan," Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said.

 Makabayan reps highlight wages, sovereignty in SONA 2024 looks

(Even in other countries, voting patterns change, which means there's real hope for change. That change lies in education, reaching the grassroots, going into communities, and reminding people that they hold the power.)

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño echoed this sentiment, contrasting their movement with political dynasties. He said, "Kung sila may political dynasty kami may mga manggagawa, ilang milyon yung mangagawa ilang milyon yung magsasaka, ilang milyon yung mga mangingsida. So ako ay naniniwala na malakas yung aming laban. Nakasandig kami sa mismong mamamayan."

(While they have political dynasties, we have the workers—millions of workers, millions of farmers, and millions of fishermen. I believe our fight is strong because we are backed by the people themselves.)

The Makabayan Coalition has presented 11 aspirants for their senatorial slate, leaving one slot open. This remaining spot offers the possibility of adding another representative.

Also running under the Makabayan Coalition are the party-list groups: Bayan Muna, with former representative Neri Colmenares; Gabriela Women’s Party, with former representative Sarah Elago; ACT Teachers party-list, with Rep. Antonio Tinio; and Kabataan Party-list, with Atty. Renee Co. All four serve as first nominees.