Makabayan coalition, Gabriela formalize bid for Senate, House seats

The 11 bets of the Makabayan coalition and the Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) formalized their bid for Senate and House seats on Friday, the fourth day of the filing period.

The following Makabayan senatorial aspirants were all present in filing their certificate of candidacy (COC) before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) at the Manila Hotel Tent City.

*GWP Rep. Arlene Brosas

*Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary General Jerome Adonis

*Pamalakaya Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo

*Former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño

*Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Rep. France Castro

*Former National Anti-Poverty Commission Chairperson Liza Maza

*Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) Chairman Mody Floranda

*Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) Secretary General Mimi Doringo

*Sandugo Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination Co-chairperson Amiral Lidasan

*Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Chairperson Danilo Ramos

*Filipino Nurses United Secretary General Jocelyn
Andamo

In introducing the lineup, former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said all 11 are the leaders of their respective sectors from transportation, farmers, teachers, and urban poor groups, among others.

‘The time is ripe na Dmayroong isang progresibo, isang national democrat na pumasok sa senado (that we get a progressive, national democrat inside the Senate),’ he said, saying the key measures he himself would introduce are anti-political dynasty and right to information laws.

Casiño said the coalition decided to field an ‘almost full slate’ of 11 Senatorial bets “para buo ‘yong ating plataporma ( for a complete platform) and we can also work as a team,’ he added.

Among the legislations pushed are the reinforcement of accountability for graft and corruption; national industrialization; genuine agrarian reform; and rice industry development.

Meanwhile, GWP first nominee and former Kabayaan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago said her party, if given another chance at a House seat, would continue advancing women’s
health and support the divorce and SOGIE Equality bills as well as amendments to strengthen the anti-rape and anti-violence against women laws.

‘Dumarami at tumitindi ang mga kaso ng abuso, diskriminasyon, sexual harassment at karahasan sa mga kababaihan at LGBT- online at offline- kaya dapat lang na palakasin ang laban ng kababaihan at ipagpatuloy ang representasyon ng kababaihan sa Kongreso (The number of cases of abuse, discrimination, sexual harassment, and violence against women and LGBT- online at offline- is rising, which is why we need to boost the fight and representation of women at the Congress),’ she said.

The GWP second and third nominees are Bantay Bigas Spokesperson Cathy Estavillo and health rights advocate Dr. Jean Lindo.

Source: Philippines News Agency