📷Bayan Muna | FB
On the first day of the official election campaign period, former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares underscored the urgent need to return Bayan Muna to Congress, emphasizing its critical role in advancing the rights and welfare of the Filipino people amidst high prices of basic goods and services, rampant corruption, foreign intervention, and anti-poor policies.
“The absence of Bayan Muna in Congress has only emboldened corrupt politicians and big business interests to pass laws that burden the people while benefiting the rich and powerful.”
“Sa loob ng mahigit dalawampung taon, ang Bayan Muna ay nangunguna sa paglaban para sa interes ng mahihirap at inaapi. Ipinaglaban natin ang pagbaba ng presyo ng bilihin at dagdag sahod,”Colmenares emphasized.
Bayan Muna’s Key Legislative AgendaÂ
Colmenares outlined Bayan Muna’s priority legislative measures upon its return to Congress:
– Lowering the cost of basic goods and services – scrapping the value added tax (VAT) on fuel, electricity, and water service to lower their prices;
_  Living wages and job security – pushing for a Php 33,000 monthly minimum wage for   public sector employees and a Php 1,200 daily national minimum wage for private sector workers .
– Fighting graft and corruption-working to make corrupt government officials to account and push for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, guard the national budget from unscrupulous officials
A People’s Protest Vote Against Corrupt and Anti-Poor Politicians
Colmenares called on voters to use the 2025 elections as a referendum against corrupt, incompetent, and foreign-backed politicians, urging them to support Bayan Muna and other progressive candidates.
“We cannot allow our government to remain in the hands of the corrupt and self-serving elite. Bringing Bayan Muna back to Congress is a crucial step in ensuring that the people’s interests are once again prioritized over corporate greed and political dynasties,” he asserted.
“We must channel our outrage against corruption in Maharlika funds, confidential funds, unprogrammed funds and Philhealth as well as the worsening economic crisis into a decisive vote for Bayan Muna,” Colmenares urged. “This is not just a campaign—it is a movement to reclaim our future from the grip of the elite and foreign interests.”
“Patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang disenteng sahod at abot-kayang bilihin. Hindi tayo titigil sa paglalantad at paglaban sa katiwalian at pang-aabuso,” he vowed.
A Call to Action: Bring Bayan Muna Back to Congress
Despite the challenges, Colmenares pointed to the growing discontent with rising prices, low wages, and worsening poverty as an opportunity to mobilize support for Bayan Muna’s return to Congress.
“Ang eleksyong ito ay higit pa sa pangangampanya. Ito ay isang laban para sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan. Dapat tayong magkampanya nang mas matindi, mas matapang, at mas masigasig kaysa dati,” he emphasized.
“We must campaign like never before. Bayan Muna’s return to Congress is necessary to ensure that the people’s voices are heard, and their rights are upheld. The fight continues, and we will not back down,” he concluded.
The message is clear: Bayan Muna remains resolute in its mission to serve the people, fight for justice, and push for meaningful change in Philippine society. IBALIK ANG BAYAN MUNA SA KONGRESO! IBOTO ANG BAYAN MUNA! ###
