Makabayan presents alternative Senate slate

Metro Manila, Philippines - A coalition of cause-oriented groups began presenting an alternative Senate slate on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to an electorate that is generally swayed by popular vote.

Eleven candidates of the Makabayan coalition - unfazed by poor numbers in pre-election surveys - mounted a send-off rally at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila then went on separate visits either house-to-house or to ordinary people they advocate for: students, vendors, and hospital workers.

“Hindi na ito ‘yong panahon na pare-pareho yong apelyido at pangalan sa Senado. Ang kailangan natin fiscalizers, ang kailangan nating marinig yong oposisyon, kailangan natin ngayon mas maraming nagsasalita para sa demokrasya,” Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas also said.

[Translation: This time, it should not be the same surname elected in the Senate. We need fiscalizers. We need to hear the opposition and more voices for democracy.]

Makabayan’s 11 candidates are:

+ Jerome Adonis - Kilusang Mayo Uno

+ Alyn Andamo - Filipino Nurses United

+ Ronnel Arambulo - under Pamalakaya

+ Arlene Brosas - Gabriela Women’s Party

+ Teddy Casiño - Bayan Muna

+ France Castro - Act Teachers

+ Mimi Doringo - Kadamay

+ Mody Floranda - Piston

+ Amirah Lidasan - Sandugo

+ Liza Maza - Makabayan

+ Danilo Ramos - Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas

A Pulse Asia survey in January showed Makabayan voter preferences under 2%.

The group vowed to focus on gut issues and will not rely on entertainment and other means to gain votes, according to a joint statement read by candidates in their send-off event.

Lidasan and Maza began their campaign in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. Ramos went straight to his hometown Malolos, Bulacan after the kick-off event.

Other candidates would stage community rallies in Manila and Quezon City in the afternoon.