Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (MAKABAYAN) co-chair Neri ColmenaresĀ welcomed former Gabriela Women’s Party and Makabayan co-chairpersonĀ Rep. Liza Maza’s announcement of her senatorial run, while strongly condemning the Marcos administration’s attempts to suppress the event.
“We are excited to have former Rep. Liza Maza join the Makabayan senatorial slate. Her extensive experience as a legislator and advocate for women’s rights and the marginalized sectors will be invaluable in the Senate,” Colmenares stated.
Colmenares also criticized the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for its alleged efforts to prevent Maza’s announcement by denying the use of two venues for the event.
“It’s alarming that even before Rep. Maza could formally declare her candidacy, the Marcos administration, through the NTF-ELCAC, is already resorting to underhanded tactics to silence progressive voices,” said the former Bayan Muna solon. “This blatant attempt to suppress democratic participation raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to fair and free elections.”
Colmenares added, “Are they so afraid of the Makabayan senatorial slate that they would go to such lengths to hinder a simple announcement? This only strengthens our resolve to fight for the rights of the Filipino people and to bring their voices to the Senate.”
The Makabayan official called on the public to support Maza’s candidacy and the entire Makabayan senatorial slate, which now includes ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Secretary General Jerome Adonis.
“We urge all Filipinos who believe in democracy, social justice, and genuine representation for the marginalized to rally behind our candidates. Together, we can bring about the change our country desperately needs,” Colmenares concluded.
