Makabayan bloc launches 2025 senatorial bid with focus on grassroots engagement

The left-leaning Makabayan bloc has launched its campaign for the 2025 senatorial elections with a send-off rally at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila, followed by house-to-house visits across Metro Manila and other provinces.

This marks a significant shift as Makabayan is fielding a near-complete slate of 11 senatorial aspirants for the first time since 2010.

Makabayan emphasizes a campaign strategy focused on direct engagement with citizens, offering themselves as an alternative to members of political dynasties and traditional politicians reliant on substantial funding and media advertising.

Their approach involves visiting various communities like markets and schools to connect with voters directly.

Several senatorial candidates commenced their campaign activities in different locations across Metro Manila, including Manila and Quezon City.

Other candidates, such as peasant leader Danilo Ramos, began their campaign in their respective hometowns like Malolos, Bulacan, while former Gabriela lawmaker Liza Maza and Moro leader Amirah Lidasan are campaigning in Cagayan de Oro.

Despite admitting their campaign funds are no match to traditional politicians', they remain optimistic about reaching out to voters on the ground and introducing their advocacies.

ACT Teachers Party List Representative France Castro, whose ranking at 28th-47th was the highest among the 11 bets with 1.9% of respondents in a Pulse Asia survey, expressed confidence that they will overturn the survey results.

Castro highlighted that while they lack billions in funds, various sectors support them, and urged voters to reject political dynasties and self-serving interests in favor of programs for the people.