Makabayan Coalition fields 12 Senate candidates for 2025 elections

The Makabayan Coalition announced its intention to field a full 12-person slate for the Senate in the 2025 elections on Thursday, emphasizing candidates who are not from political or influential families.

Makabayan, which includes eight Philippine progressive parties such as Bayan Muna and Gabriela, aims to champion marginalized groups like workers, farmers, women, youth, fisherfolk, and indigenous people.

Former Cabinet member Liza Maza, aware of the challenges ahead, said Makabayan needs to communicate its principles effectively to voters, highlighting issues like wage hikes, worker regularization, agrarian reform, opposition to extra-judicial killings, and Charter change.

Ex-Bayan Muna lawmaker Neri Colmenares echoed concerns about state-backed efforts linking progressive candidates with rebels or terrorists, emphasizing the costly nature of elections which favor those with substantial funding.

The coalition asserts that Filipinos need 'a true opposition' to contest the sitting administration and oppose political dynasties; it remains open to discussions with individuals who align with their platform.