The Makabayan Coalition declared its support for the Leni Robredo-Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan presidential and vice-presidential tandem in the upcoming May 2022 elections. This was after the formal endorsement by 1Sambayan on January 28 of the senatorial run of Atty. Neri Colmenares of Makabayan.

1Sambayan was formed in March 2021 as a coalition of organizations and individuals opposing Rodrigo Duterte’s rule, and united with the aim of defeating the Duterte clique in the 2022 elections. The 1Sambayan supports the presidential candidacy of Vice Pres. Robredo.

The Makabayan’s endorsement of the Leni-Kiko tandem is an “important development in unifying all democratic forces to defeat Marcos and Duterte,” said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes.

This symbolizes the united struggle of various groups and sectors to oppose attempts of the Marcoses and Duterte to return to Malacañang. Makabayan sees that Robredo has the highest chance to defeat the Marcos-Duterte tandem.

Common stand on issues

In a press release on January 29, the Makabayan Coalitions stated the grounds and conditions for endorsing the Leni-Kiko tandem. It said these include, “common stand on issues, track record of candidates, and the very important struggle to oppose defeat the Marcos-Duterte tandem.”

Among the common points is the plan to implement a scientific and humanitarian pandemic response, promotion of the rights of workers and fighting contractualization, and upholding the rights of farmers to land. Both parties have the same stand with regards to opposing human rights violations, and upholding the sovereignty of the country and its rights in West Philippine Sea.

It supports the plan of the tandem to review the cases of elderly and sick political prisoners and consider their release based on humanitarian grounds. Both parties support the call to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN. They have the same stand on defending the environment, national minorities, Filipino farmers and fisherfolk by reviewing and revising laws and policies on mining. There are similarities on their stand to review the closure and re-accredit Lumad schools. Robredo pledged to review the structure and practices of the NTF-Elcac in the face of Maka­bayan’s stance for its abolition.

Both parties agree to continue peace negotiations and hold accountable government officials involved in human rights violations, and allow the International Criminal Court to subject Duterte and his cohorts to trial. Robredo is pushing for electoral and political reforms to oppose abuse of power, promote people’s participation, and give them a voice.