The Makabayan Coalition called on its supporters to judiciously choose their 12th senatorial candidate for election day on May 12. Makabayan fielded 11 senatorial candidates and four parties for the party-list system to oppose candidates who are landlords, comprador bourgeoisie, bureaucratic capitalists, and political dynasties.

“We hope they will choose the candidate whose positions on issues are closest to the positions taken by Makabayan and its party-lists,” coalition campaign manager Renato Reyes Jr said.

The coalition’s senatorial candidates are Teacher France Castro, Rep. Arlene Brosas, Jerome Adonis, Liza Maza, Ronnel Arambulo, Teddy Casiño, Danilo Ramos, Jocelyn Andamo, Mody Floranda, Mimi Doringo, and Amirah Lidasan. They represent various democratic sectors and their struggle for rights and welfare.

Leading Bayan Muna Party-list is Atty. Neri Colmenares, former Rep. Sarah Elago leads Gabriela Women’s Party, former Rep. Antonio Tinio leads ACT Teachers Party-list, and Atty. Renee Co leads Kabataan Party-list.

“We need a people’s opposition in the next Congress,” Reyes said. Amid the worsening economic crisis, Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, the International Criminal Court trial against former president Rodrigo Duterte, relentless human rights violations, contempt of national sovereignty, and many other social issues, the Filipino people cannot rely on the Marcos or Duterte families to promote their welfare.

He added that both parties have shown that their senatorial candidate lineups were formed only for their own interests. “A people’s opposition is necessary to ensure that we have a voice in Congress,” he emphasized.

In recent months, Makabayan’s campaigners and parties have confronted campaigns dominated by ruling factions and political dynasties. The coalition have faced severe repression, harassment, and Red-tagging from state forces directed by the National Task Force-Elcac.

According to Makabayan, it will hold a national miting de avance on the afternoon of May 1 in Quezon City. The coalition will also have regional gatherings and activities in Southern Tagalog, Bicol, and Negros on the same day.