Win or lose in Eleksyon 2025, Makabayan bets vow to carry on with advocacies

The progressive Makabayan Coalition said that the midterm election results on Monday, May 12, would not determine its fight for its advocacies. 

The coalition, which banners an 11-man senatorial slate as well as five party-lists for the upcoming elections, concluded its nearly three-month campaign with a miting de avance in Quezon City. 

“Ito ang nagsasabi sa atin na tama ang ating naging pasya na itindig na ang Makabayan bilang alternatibong puwersang pangpultika, bilang tunay na oposisyon,” said Renato Reyes, Makabayan campaign manager. 

(This proves that our decision to form Makabayan as an alternative political force, as the true opposition, was correct.) 

“Ano mang mangyari sa resulta ng halalan na ito, makikita niyo pa rin silang nagmumulat, nago-organisa, at nagpapakilos kahit tapos na ang halalan sa Mayo 12,” he added. “Kaya siguro ang mga kampon ng kadiliman at kasamaan ay takot na takot na manalo ang Makabayan.” 

(No matter what the outcome of this election is, you will still see them protesting, organizing, and mobilizing even after the election is over on May 12. That’s probably why the minions of darkness and evil are so afraid that Makabayan will win.) 

Likewise, labor activist Jerome Adonis will still push for a minimum wage of P1,200 for the working class. 

“Napakaraming ‘sana’, napakaraming pangarap kaya kailangan natin mag-halal na magiging katuwang natin para tuparin ang mga pangarap at napakaraming ‘sana.’ [...] Ang Makabayan po ay hindi lang pang-halalan. Mayroon pa tayong malaking pangarap na mapagtatagumpayan. Ang pangarap natin ay baguhin ang bulok na sistema ng lipunan,” he said. 

(There are so many ‘hopes’, so many dreams and we need to elect someone who will be our partner to fulfill our dreams and so many ‘hopes.’ [...] Makabayan is not just for elections. We still have big dreams to achieve. Our dream is to change the rotten system of society.) 

For her part, former National Anti-Poverty Commission lead convenor Liza Maza said that their fight for democracy will not stop after the polls. 

“Hindi po tayo humihinto sa eleksyon. May eleksyon man o wala, patuloy natin isusulong ang pambansang demokratikong agenda ng mamamayan [...] Ipanalo natin ang taong bayan,” she said. 

(We are not stopping at the elections. Whether there are elections or not, we will continue to advance the national democratic agenda of the people [...] Let the people win.) 

Meanwhile, Gabriela Women’s Party-list Representative Arlene Brosas said that her advocacy for women's and children's rights will continue.

“Kahit sa labas, magpapatuloy na tayo na ipagtatanggol ang babae, bata, LGBTQ, at bayan. Asahan natin na kung ano man ang maging resulta ng eleksyon na ‘yan, it’s one part at magbibigay pa rin tayo ng pag-asa sa mga mamayan. Ipagpapatuloy pa rin natin ang mga adbokasiya,” she told GMA News Online. 

(We will continue to defend women, children, LGBTQ, and the people. Expect that whatever the outcome of that election, it's one part and we will still give hope to the people. We will continue our advocacy.) 

Victories

The campaign sortie was also highlighted with colorful banners and performances from independent artists. 

But among the notable moments in the event was the surprise performance of Amirah Lidasan and fisherfolk advocate Ronnel Arambulo of “Upuan” by rapper Gloc 9, which gathered cheers from their supporters.

Regardless of the results, Lidasan said that she will push for attaining justice for the “bakwit” people who were affected by the Marawi Siege. 

“Regardless, kung manalo o matalo, nagtutuloy kami sa service natin sa taong bayan, nagtutuloy ang protest. Lalo na kami, sa May 23, it’s the anniversary ng Marawi Siege….Titipunin namin ‘yan na at hihikayatin na ipagpatuloy yung mga hinaing nila [Bakwit]...Kapag nasa Senado na tayo, ay mai-forward lalo na yung issue ng compensation at justice sa mga biktima ng aerial bombardment,” she told GMA News Online. 

(Win or lose, we will continue our service to the people, the protest will continue. Especially on May 23, it’s the anniversary of the Marawi Siege….We will gather them and encourage them to continue fighting for their grievances [Bakwit]…Once we are in the Senate, we will push especially the issue of compensation and justice for the victims of the aerial bombardment.) 

For his part, Arambulo said that Makabayan will continue fighting for their causes even after the elections. 

“May eleksyon o wala, hangga’t nandiyan ang dahilan ng paglaban, tuloy-tuloy ang laban ng Makabayan,” he told GMA News Online. 

(Whether there is an election or not, as long as the reason for the fight is there, Makabayan’s fight will continue.) 

ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro took a swipe at Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. 

“Paborito niyo ba ang pusit? Pero ayaw natin ng ugaling pusit. Kaya naging tagumpay natin sa eleksyon na ito ang pagi-impeach sa isang asal pusit. Sino nga ba ‘yun?” she said. 

(Is squid your favorite? But we don't like squid behavior. That's why we succeeded in this election by impeaching someone with squid behavior. Who is that again?) 

“Pangalawa, ayaw din natin ng pasista. Kaya ngayon nakakulong na sa The Hague ang isang pasista. Sino nga ‘yun?” she added. 

(Secondly, we don't want fascists either. So now a fascist is in prison in The Hague. Who is that?) 

Despite the odds and lack of machinery, Teddy Casiño proudly said that the Makabayan bets were able to hold their campaign successfully. 

“Sa kabila ng kakarampot na pondo, ng limitadong makinarya, ng panggigipit ng estado at mga ayaw sa pagbabago, matagumpay natin na-ilunsad ang isang national campaign para sa 11 senator at 5 party-list sa Kongreso. Hindi ba tagumpay ‘yan?” he said. 

(Despite meager funds, limited machinery, state pressure, and those who shun change, we successfully launched a national campaign for 11 senators and 5 party-list seats in Congress. Isn't that considered a success?) 

The other senatorial candidates of Makabayan are Alyn Andamo, Mimi Doringo, Mody Floranda, and Danilo Ramos. —LDF, GMA Integrated News

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