Today, August 15, Liza Maza announced her candidacy for the Senate in an activity attended by women and urban poor groups. Maza is the fourth candidate of the Makabayan Coalition for the 2025 election.

“The politics that prevails in our country today is the politics of the few. So this upcoming election 2025, we will amplify the voice of the masses,” Maza said in his announcement.

Maza’s candidacy is supported by Migrante Philippines and Migrante International, as well as the Gabriela Women’s Party. Community leaders, members of national minorities, women and migrants joined the gathering dubbed #PulongMaza.

The Koalisyong Makabayan welcomed Maza’s announcement who is a former representative of the Gabriela Women’s Party and currently co-chairperson of the coalition.

“We are excited to have Liza Maza in the senatorial list,” the coalition said. “Her extensive experience as a legislator and defender of the rights of women and disadvantaged sectors will be of great value in the Senate.”

Hands-off Makabayan

Meanwhile, Maza and the Makabayan condemned the NTF-Elcac and the Marcos regime for attempting to block the announcement by twice refusing to grant access to the activity’s venue. Organizers first planned holding the #PulongMaza in a Caloocan community but threats from police and NTF-Elcac against its residents prompted the transfer to another place.

“I am challenging the NTF-ELCAC, the police, and Bongbong Marcos himself who brags about taking care of OFWs. I challenge you—hands off MAKABAYAN,” Maza said.

Atty. Neri Colmenares, Maza’s co-chairperson in Makabayan, called the pressure “alarming.”

“Are they so afraid of the Makabayan senatorial slate that they would go to such lengths to hinder a simple announcement?” Colmenares asked. “This only strengthens our resolve to fight for the rights of the Filipino people and to bring their voices to the Senate.”

Colmenares calls to support Maza’s candidacy, as well as the three Makabayan candidates, Rep. France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party, Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party, and Jerome Adonis of Kilusang Mayo Uno.