Calling itself the People’s Opposition, the Makabayan Coalition announced on July 10 its plan to field 12 senatorial candidates in the 2025 election. The coalition is fully determined to stand as the genuine opposition force in an election dominated by factions of the ruling class. It seeks to represent the common people’s interests in the Senate.

The coalition declared that its patriotic and progressive candidates will promote a comprehensive national-democratic program that will respond to the “Filipino people’s aspirations for development for the majority, respect for rights, and genuine national sovereignty.”

Rep. France Castro announced plans of running for the Senate on June 26 under the coalition, with the slogan “Titser naman sa Senado” (Time for a teacher in the Senate).

Just two weeks later, the state launched an immediate attack on her. She was unjustly convicted of child abuse, along with Satur Ocampo and 16 others dubbed the Talaingod 18. The case was based on their response to a request of teachers and 14 students to be rescued in Sitio Dulyan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod Davao del Norte in 2018. In December 2018, the court dismissed the kidnapping case against them. National-democratic groups launched a series of actions to condemn the latter court’s verdict. The Talaingod 18 vowed to fight the verdict on all fronts.

The Makabayan Coalition stood firm despite the attacks. On July 16, it announced Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas as its second candidate. Brosas was chosen by the Committee of 100 Women representing various sectors. Castro and Brosas are currently House Minority Floor Leader and Assistant House Minority Floor Leader in Congress, respectively.