“We will choose peasant leader Danilo Ramos and Makabayan senatorial candidates over landgrabbing heiress Camille Villar anytime,” this was the statement of supporters of KMP’s Danilo Ramos and fisherfolk leader Ronnel Arambulo during today’s filing of Certificate of Candidacy at the Manila Hotel.

The Makabayan Senate bets with their throng of supporters from various sectors, marched from the Rizal Park to Manila Hotel as they vowed to challenge the “old dogs” of Philippine politics coming from traditional politicians and political dynasties.

“Government service and legislation is not a family business. We shun candidates who come from the same families. Tama na ang mga magkapatid, mag-ina sa Senado na nagpapalitan lang sa pagkandidato tuwing eleksyon. Tama na ang pare-parehong tradisyunal na pulitiko. Hindi ipinapamana ang pusisyon sa gubyerno. Dapat taumbayan naman sa Senado,” according to Zen Soriano of AMIHAN national federation of peasant women.

For his part, Danilo Ramos of KMP said he is running for a Senate seat to represent the broad aspirations of the Filipino people, especially farmers and the rural population. “Mga magsasaka ang palaging pinapangakuan ng mga trapo. Pero pagkatapos ng eleksyon, mas naghihirap at nagdudusa ang mga magbubukid. Their dire situation remain unchanged because those who get elected are backed by landlords and conglomerates.”

The Makabayan slate embodies a commitment to championing the interests of the marginalized and oppressed sectors. Their platform aims to advance genuine societal change, anchored on the principles of national democracy and social justice. This filing marks a pivotal step in bringing the people’s voice into the Senate, ensuring that legislative efforts are directed towards the upliftment of the masses.

“We need drastic and radical changes in the face of PH politics dominated by the ruling elite. We are joining the electoral race, ready to advocate for transformative policies and reforms,” says Ronnel Arambulo of PAMALAKAYA, also a Makabayan senatorial bet. ##