📷Makabayan Coalition senatorial bets with former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel |Altermidya
The Makabayan Coalition convened its historic assembly yesterday, which represented a notable demonstration of strength. This event united the coalition’s complete roster of party-list representatives and senatorial candidates, underscoring the extensive and profound backing from grassroots movements and middle forces.
Newly elected Makabayan co-chairperson and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel emphasized the importance of the convention. “This convention is a historic moment for us to present Makabayan as the alternative political force against the prevailing rotten politics. It is our rallying call to empower the people, with the theme ‘Taumbayan Ipanalo!’ being brought to life by our progressive party-lists and senatorial candidates,” he said.
The convention will serve as a platform to advance the national democratic struggle represented by various sectors and party-lists. “We aim to highlight the national democratic alternative and solutions to the current crises that make the people suffer,” Rep. Manuel explained.
Caloocan City Vice Mayor Karina Teh and former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan conveyed their solidarity with the Makabayan coalition in their video messages.
Rep. Manuel called upon the public to support the entire senatorial slate, emphasizing its diverse and multi-sectoral nature. “Instead of real estate developers, we offer farmers and fishers. Instead of billionaires, we have workers and the marginalized. Instead of macho posturing, we have courageous women. Instead of burdens to the nation, we have teachers and health workers. Instead of oppressive enforcers, we have human rights defenders.”
“Ka Daning has a program to bring down rice prices to P25, Ka Mody has plans to address traffic and the lack of mass transportation, Nars Alyn has initiatives to ease hospital services, and Ka Jerome advocates for living wages. All candidates in the Makabayan slate have programs for the genuine upliftment of the Filipino people — not mere lipservice like those uttered by traditional politicians,” Manuel concluded.
The Makabayan Convention promises to be a pivotal moment in shaping the political landscape for the upcoming 2025 elections by championing the voices and interests of the ordinary people. #
