The Makabayan Coalition formally introduced its 10 senatorial candidates for the upcoming 2025 election yesterday, August 26, at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila City. The coalition earlier announced their plan to form a complete senatorial slate. The coalition symbolically launched the slate on Heroes’ Day.

The candidates’ introduction highlighted various civic issues and interests of ordinary citizens. The coalition said it is fully determined to challenge the election dominated by factions of the ruling class. They shouted: Taumbayan sa Senado! (People in the Senate!)

Its patriotic and progressive candidates will promote a comprehensive national-democratic program that will respond to the “aspiration of the Filipino people for development for the majority, respect for rights, and full national sovereignty.”

Before the formal declaration, seven progressive leaders had previously announced their candidacy since June. Three additional candidates were introduced yesterday.

The following are the Makabayan candidates for the senate:

1. Teacher France Catro, ACT Teachers Partylist representative
2. Arlene Brosas, Gabriela Women’s Party representative
3. Jerome Adonis, Kilusang Mayo Uno general secretary
4. Liza Maza, Makabayan co-chairperson
5. Ronnel Arambulo, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) vice chairman
6. Teddy Casiño, Bagong Alyanang Makabayan (Bayan) chairperson
7. Danilo Ramos (Ka Daning), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) chairman
8. Nurse Jocelyn Andamo, Filipino Nurses United (FNU) general secretary
9. Mody Floranda, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) chairperson
10. Mimi Doringo, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirapn (Kadamay) general secretary

“This slate represents our unwavering dedication to the principles of nationalism, democracy, and social justice,” Bayan Muna chairman and Makabayan Co-Chairperson Atty. Neri Colmenares said. He further stressed, they are not just simple leaders but true advocates for the rights of the common Filipino, and are ready to push for policies that uplift the oppressed and marginalized sectors of society.

Various progressive and democratic organizations expressed their support for Makabayan’s announcement. They also expressed their willingness to campaign as much as they can for these candidates.

“Makabayan senatorial bets have proven their loyalty to the Filipino people. They have no record of corruption. They have no fear as they were forged by strikes, demolitions, and violent dispersal of rallies,” Ka Elmer Labog, KMU chairman, said.

KMP and Pamalakaya welcomed the inclusion of their representatives in the ranks of the coalition candidates. “It is crucial that fisherfolk and farmers have representation in the upcoming national elections, especially since the two sectors are consistently recorded as the poorest sectors in the country,” they said in a unified statement.

For Atty. Colmenares, the announcement was made on Heroes’ Day to stress the coalition’s pledge to continue the legacy of the country’s heroes who fought for a free, just and democratic Philippines.

“This unveiling marks a pivotal moment in the coalition’s journey, as it continues to rally the people towards transformative politics,” he said.

The Commission on Elections will accept certificates of candidacy from October 1 to October 8. The mid-term election will be held on May 12, 2025.

Apart from the senatorial candidates, the progressive parties and partylists under the Makabayan Coalition will field its own nominees. These include Bayan Muna, Gabriela Women’s Party, ACT Teachers and Kabataan.