The Makabayan Coalition warmly welcomed the announcements of Liza Maza, former representative of the Gabriela Women’s Party and the coalition’s co-chairperson, and Ronnel Arambulo, Pamalakaya vice president, of their plan to run for the Senate. Maza made her declaration on August 15 in an urban-poor community, while Arambulo announced his plans in a fishing community in Navotas on August 19. Both are known mass leaders who stand firmly for the interests of the masses and against US imperialism. Arambulo, a Laguna de Bay fisherman, has been active in the campaign against Chinese harassment and in asserting the rights of fisherfolk in traditional and territorial fisheries.

Meanwhile, Maza and Makabayan condemned the attempt of the Marcos regime, through the NTF-Elcac, to block Maza’s declaration. Its agents harassed community residents in North Caloocan where the mass meeting was to be held, forcing its transfer.

Makabayan calls for support to the candidacies of Maza and Arambulo, as well as its three previously declared candidates, Rep. France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party, Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party, and Jerome Adonis of Kilusang Mayo Uno.