With unwavering resolve to bring the voices of ordinary Filipinos to the Senate, peasant leader Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos has launched his official electoral campaign, vowing to champion the rights and welfare of farmers, agricultural workers, and rural women and youth. Unlike traditional politicians backed by dynasties and billionaire-funded machinery, Ramos is running a campaign powered by mass support, grassroots mobilization, and the collective strength of volunteers who share his vision for genuine social change.

“Wala akong bilyon para sa mga campaign ads, wala akong political machinery ng malalaking dinastiya, pero may kakampi tayo—ang taumbayan na matagal nang naghahangad ng tunay na pagbabago,” Ramos declared. “Ito ang laban ng ordinaryong Pilipino, laban para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa, pagpapaunlad ng agrikultura, abot-kayang presyo ng bigas at pagkain, at panlipunang hustisya.”

A longtime advocate of agrarian reform and farmers’ rights, Ramos has dedicated his life to fighting for rural sectors and the landless. As chairperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), he has led campaigns against land grabbing, neoliberal economic policies that disadvantage farmers, and the government’s continued neglect of the agricultural sector.

Ramos’ senatorial bid presents a direct challenge to the dominance of political elites who have long controlled Philippine politics. He called on voters to reject the same old names and faces that have enriched themselves in power while millions of Filipinos remain trapped in poverty, hunger, and injustice.

“Panahon na para itakwil ang mga landgrabbers, oligarchs, at trapo na nagpayaman sa posisyon habang lugmok sa hirap ang mamamayan. Oras na para sa mga tunay na kinatawan ng masa,” Ramos asserted.

KMP emphasized that Ramos’ campaign will focus on direct engagement with communities, ensuring that his platform is shaped by the real issues affecting Filipinos. His campaign strategy will rely on pulong masa or people’s assemblies, on-the-ground mobilization, and social media outreach.

“Ang kampanyang ito ay hindi lang tungkol kay Danilo Ramos at sa Makabayan. Ito ay laban ng bawat Pilipino na naghahanap ng pagbabago,” KMP said in a statement. “Itaguyod natin ang Senado na tunay na kakampi ng masa, dapat natin suportahan ang isa sa atin—isang magsasaka, isang lider ng masa, isang tunay na tagapagtanggol ng ating karapatan.”

As the 2025 midterm elections draw closer, Ramos and his supporters are calling on the public to be critical in their choices and to support candidates who genuinely represent the interests of the majority. For them, the battle for the Senate is not just about securing a seat—it is about ensuring that the people’s voices are heard and their rights upheld.

“Hindi natin kayang tapatan ang bilyones ng mga trapo, pero kaya nating ipanalo ang laban ng masa,” Ramos affirmed. “Tayong mga ordinaryong Pilipino ang may tunay na kapangyarihan. Sama-sama nating itulak ang makabuluhang reporma.”

The Makabayan coalition, representing marginalized sectors, rejects traditional campaign methods that rely on billion-peso ad spending. Instead, it prioritizes direct engagement—house-to-house, visiting workplaces, and holding grassroots discussions.

Makabayan’s platform offers an alternative vision that directly responds to the people’s needs, challenging entrenched ruling-class politics. Key proposals include genuine land reform, stronger support for the agricultural sector, a living wage of Php1,200 for workers, the removal of oppressive taxes such as VAT, accountability for corrupt officials—including the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte—and the pursuit of an independent foreign policy, particularly in defending the West Philippine Sea.

“The people have a choice. Hindi lang kadiliman at kasamaan. Makabayan is fielding a genuine Senate slate based on a common program, not political convenience. Dalhin natin ang taumbayan sa Senado. Taumbayan naman ang ipanalo.” ###