WRAP: Leftist candidates take on political dynasties in Halalan 2025
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WRAP: Leftist candidates take on political dynasties in Halalan 2025
Workers’ advocates hold a labor protest at Liwasang Bonifacio in observance of Labor Day on May 1, 2025. The labor groups pushed for salary increases, better health care, and an end to labor contractualization. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
Workers’ advocates hold a labor protest at Liwasang Bonifacio in observance of Labor Day on May 1, 2025. The labor groups pushed for salary increases, better health care, and an end to labor contractualization. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News MANILA — If it were up to the youth, Partido Lakas ng Masa's Leody De Guzman said at his and labor lawyer Luke Espiritu's miting de avance, workers, farmers and mass leaders would have seats at the Senate of the 20th Congress.
MANILA — If it were up to the youth, Partido Lakas ng Masa's Leody De Guzman said at his and labor lawyer Luke Espiritu's miting de avance, workers, farmers and mass leaders would have seats at the Senate of the 20th Congress.
Informal surveys and mock polls at colleges and universities have trended progressive, with the two — as well as labor lawyer Sonny Matula and candidates from Makabayan, the other leftist formation seeking Senate seats — doing well in them.
Informal surveys and mock polls at colleges and universities have trended progressive, with the two — as well as labor lawyer Sonny Matula and candidates from Makabayan, the other leftist formation seeking Senate seats — doing well in them.
Despite that, leftist candidates had to campaign with few resources and in the face of accusations of being communist rebels, questions of "winnability", and even conspiracy theories they are running to spoil the chances of the "real" opposition.
Despite that, leftist candidates had to campaign with few resources and in the face of accusations of being communist rebels, questions of "winnability", and even conspiracy theories they are running to spoil the chances of the "real" opposition.
They are also trailing candidates from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas and PDP-Laban, the dominant factions from the fractured UniTeam, in pre-election surveys.
They are also trailing candidates from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas and PDP-Laban, the dominant factions from the fractured UniTeam, in pre-election surveys.
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That they managed to finish a national campaign at all is already a victory, PLM and the Makabayan coalition said at separate final campaign rallies.
That they managed to finish a national campaign at all is already a victory, PLM and the Makabayan coalition said at separate final campaign rallies.
"Niyanig natin ang pundasyon ng bulok na sistema (We shook the foundations of this rotten system)," former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said of the move to field an 11-person slate from people's organizations.
"Niyanig natin ang pundasyon ng bulok na sistema (We shook the foundations of this rotten system)," former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said of the move to field an 11-person slate from people's organizations.
PLM only backed two candidates for senator but did not campaign with any less fervor.
PLM only backed two candidates for senator but did not campaign with any less fervor.
POLITICAL DYNASTIES 'TOO ARROGANT'
Makabayan and PLM have presented themselves as alternatives to candidates from the political clans that dominate elective positions and whose influence continues to grow.
Makabayan and PLM have presented themselves as alternatives to candidates from the political clans that dominate elective positions and whose influence continues to grow.
That message has resonated with communities they have visited, Casiño said.
That message has resonated with communities they have visited, Casiño said.
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"Doon natin naramdaman na hindi tayo nag-iisa. Na kasama natin ang taumbayan at katulad natin, ang taumbayan ay naghahangad rin ng totoong pagbabago sa ating bayan. Nais din nilang ibagsak, wakasan ang paghahari ng political dynasty."
"Doon natin naramdaman na hindi tayo nag-iisa. Na kasama natin ang taumbayan at katulad natin, ang taumbayan ay naghahangad rin ng totoong pagbabago sa ating bayan. Nais din nilang ibagsak, wakasan ang paghahari ng political dynasty."
(That is where we felt we are not alone. That the people are with us and, like us, they want real change. They also want to end the dominance of political dynasties.)
(That is where we felt we are not alone. That the people are with us and, like us, they want real change. They also want to end the dominance of political dynasties.)
De Guzman, at the PLM rally, said issues like prices, wages, and job security are just products of a government run by political dynasties, traditional politicians and the elite.
De Guzman, at the PLM rally, said issues like prices, wages, and job security are just products of a government run by political dynasties, traditional politicians and the elite.
Espiritu said the dynasties have become too confident of their electoral victories that some candidates don't even bother to present platforms anymore.
Espiritu said the dynasties have become too confident of their electoral victories that some candidates don't even bother to present platforms anymore.
"Parang sinasabi nila sa atin, 'Wala akong pakialam sa inyong mga issues...kahit magma-meow meow lang ako... alam ko bobotohin niyo ako," he said.
"Parang sinasabi nila sa atin, 'Wala akong pakialam sa inyong mga issues...kahit magma-meow meow lang ako... alam ko bobotohin niyo ako," he said.
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(It is like they are saying 'I don't care about your issues. Even if all I do is meow... I know you will vote for me'.)
(It is like they are saying 'I don't care about your issues. Even if all I do is meow... I know you will vote for me'.)
HOPES FOR A LIVING WAGE
The election season also gave candidates and their supporters an opportunity to campaign not just for Senate seats but for longer-term issues like the fight for a living wage — estimated at P1,200 a day and nearly double the P645 minimum wage in Metro Manila.
The election season also gave candidates and their supporters an opportunity to campaign not just for Senate seats but for longer-term issues like the fight for a living wage — estimated at P1,200 a day and nearly double the P645 minimum wage in Metro Manila.
"Ang ating kampanya, mula Luzon, Visayas, hanggang Mindanao, ay punong-puno ng pangarap at 'sana'," Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary General Jerome Adonis said, recounting conversations he had with potential voters.
"Ang ating kampanya, mula Luzon, Visayas, hanggang Mindanao, ay punong-puno ng pangarap at 'sana'," Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary General Jerome Adonis said, recounting conversations he had with potential voters.
(Our campaign from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao was filled with hope and wishes)
(Our campaign from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao was filled with hope and wishes)
A mother in Estancia, Iloilo said a P1,200 daily wage would mean her OFW daughter could have stayed in the country, he said.
A mother in Estancia, Iloilo said a P1,200 daily wage would mean her OFW daughter could have stayed in the country, he said.
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It would have meant extra money for a mother in General Santos City to have leisure time with her kids, and more sales for a fish vendor in Bulacan because more people could afford to buy.
It would have meant extra money for a mother in General Santos City to have leisure time with her kids, and more sales for a fish vendor in Bulacan because more people could afford to buy.
"Kaya kailangan nating maghalal ng mga senador na magiging katuwang natin para tuparin natin ang mga pangarap at napakaraming 'sana'," he said.
"Kaya kailangan nating maghalal ng mga senador na magiging katuwang natin para tuparin natin ang mga pangarap at napakaraming 'sana'," he said.
(That is why we should elect senators who will help us achieve these dreams and the many wishes)
(That is why we should elect senators who will help us achieve these dreams and the many wishes)
Citing a Social Weather Stations survey in April, Espiritu said around 90 percent of respondents said they would support candidates advocating workers' rights.
Citing a Social Weather Stations survey in April, Espiritu said around 90 percent of respondents said they would support candidates advocating workers' rights.
Regardless of how survey rankings have turned out, he said he believes the sentiment is authentic and will be enduring.
Regardless of how survey rankings have turned out, he said he believes the sentiment is authentic and will be enduring.
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"Hindi kailangan ng ayuda, walang halong pananakot at vote-buying, walang dikta ng troll farms," he said.
"Hindi kailangan ng ayuda, walang halong pananakot at vote-buying, walang dikta ng troll farms," he said.
(That doesn't need ayuda, nor intimidation nor vote-buying, nor the influence of troll farms)
(That doesn't need ayuda, nor intimidation nor vote-buying, nor the influence of troll farms)
A proclamation rally for senatorial candidates Leody de Guzman and Luke Espiritu at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City on February 16, 2025. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News
A proclamation rally for senatorial candidates Leody de Guzman and Luke Espiritu at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City on February 16, 2025. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News WIN OR LOSE, THE STRUGGLE WILL CONTINUE
Although hopeful for victory, the activists said electoral loss will not faze them.
Although hopeful for victory, the activists said electoral loss will not faze them.
"Wag tayong malungkot dahil 'di naman tayo mga trapo na nabubuhay lang at lumalabas, nagiging makabayan at sumasanib sa atin tuwing eleksyon lamang," De Guzman said.
"Wag tayong malungkot dahil 'di naman tayo mga trapo na nabubuhay lang at lumalabas, nagiging makabayan at sumasanib sa atin tuwing eleksyon lamang," De Guzman said.
(If we lose, we will not despair since we are not traditional politicians who only come out, wave the flag and spend time with us only during elections.)
(If we lose, we will not despair since we are not traditional politicians who only come out, wave the flag and spend time with us only during elections.)
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He said the elections were also meant to help the mass movement promote its principles and advocacies and that his group was able to do that.
He said the elections were also meant to help the mass movement promote its principles and advocacies and that his group was able to do that.
Espiritu meanwhile maintained hope in the youth who have openly supported progressive and leftist candidates, saying they are a strong foundation for future and eventual societal change.
Espiritu meanwhile maintained hope in the youth who have openly supported progressive and leftist candidates, saying they are a strong foundation for future and eventual societal change.
"Ang suporta na nakukuha natin ay boluntaryo, walang bayad, nanggaling sa prinsipyo. Ang ganoong suporta ay malakas at totoong suporta."
"Ang suporta na nakukuha natin ay boluntaryo, walang bayad, nanggaling sa prinsipyo. Ang ganoong suporta ay malakas at totoong suporta."
(The support we get is voluntary, is not paid for, and springs from principles. That kind of support is strong and genuine support.)
(The support we get is voluntary, is not paid for, and springs from principles. That kind of support is strong and genuine support.)
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, Pamalakaya Vice Chair Ronnel Arambulo, former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Chair Danilo Ramos and Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary General Jerome Adonis attend the People's Cordillera Day in Baguio City in April 2025. Handout photo
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, Pamalakaya Vice Chair Ronnel Arambulo, former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Chair Danilo Ramos and Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary General Jerome Adonis attend the People's Cordillera Day in Baguio City in April 2025. Handout photoGroups with Makabayan will also continue to organize however the election goes, with Bagong Alyansang Makabayan president Renato Reyes Jr. — Makabayan campaign manager — saying the large crowd at the Quezon City miting de avance was proof of their resolve.
Groups with Makabayan will also continue to organize however the election goes, with Bagong Alyansang Makabayan president Renato Reyes Jr. — Makabayan campaign manager — saying the large crowd at the Quezon City miting de avance was proof of their resolve.
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"Narito pa rin tayo at wala tayong balak maglaho. Hindi nila tayo mabubura (We are still here and we have no plans to disappear. They cannot erase us)."
"Narito pa rin tayo at wala tayong balak maglaho. Hindi nila tayo mabubura (We are still here and we have no plans to disappear. They cannot erase us)."
He added: "Sa dami ng tao dito ngayon, 'yan ang ating ipinunla, 'yan ang ating aanihin, at 'yan ang tagumpay natin sa halalang ito."
He added: "Sa dami ng tao dito ngayon, 'yan ang ating ipinunla, 'yan ang ating aanihin, at 'yan ang tagumpay natin sa halalang ito."
(Look at how many we are here. That is what we planted, that is what we will harvest, and that is our victory in these elections.)
(Look at how many we are here. That is what we planted, that is what we will harvest, and that is our victory in these elections.)
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