Makabayan Panay

HANDS OFF GABRIELA | Makabayan Panay Urges COMELEC to Junk NTF-ELCAC Case, Defend Women’s Representation

Through its militarist task force, the Marcos Jr. administration has targeted Gabriela Women’s Party and other people’s partylists under the Makabayan bloc, which have courageously exposed corruption schemes emanating from Malacañang. Instead of being held accountable for the so-called BBM formula for DPWH allocables, the use of unprogrammed appropriations, and the blatant pocketing of kickbacks from infrastructure budgets — as articulated in the second impeachment complaint — the administration has chosen to silence anti-corruption groups through trumped-up cases. Even duly elected representatives of marginalized sectors such as women and youth are not spared.

MAHADLOK -ON ANG PUMULUYO SA KONGRESO KAG SENADO!

In the past three months, Makabayan Panay has waged a vigorous and principled campaign across the region. We have organized hundreds into our chapters and volunteer groups, strengthening our grassroots machinery and community presence. Through house-to-house visits, market hopping, forums, and education drives, we have reached tens of thousands of our fellow citizens—workers, farmers, youth, women, and the urban poor—with our platform for politics of change and genuine public service.

At the core of this campaign is the fight for a living wage, lower prices of goods and services, and the struggle against corruption. We also oppose anti-poor policies such as transport modernization, market privatization, the Mercidar ruling favoring commercial fishing, the K–12 curriculum, and the continuing human rights violations and militarization of communities. We stand for accessible services for all, among other urgent people's demands.

We have also engaged numerous democratic allies and supporters—including civic groups, advocates, and even some politicians—who recognize Makabayan as a consistent and credible force in advancing the people’s aspirations. Despite limited resources, we have built a campaign grounded in the people’s energy, trust, and commitment. In the campaign’s final stretch, we stood united with the 80,000-strong supporters of Team Sulong Gugma, who joined us in championing many of the above-mentioned causes.

These gains have not come without challenges. We have faced relentless red-tagging, the spread of fake news, direct attacks on our campaigners and organized forces, and the militarization of communities. These attacks are not new; they follow the same playbook used in previous elections—aimed at discrediting and silencing progressive candidates and organizations.

Now, as the May 12 elections draw near, these desperate tactics have intensified. The military-led NTF-ELCAC and its troll army are working overtime to falsely claim that Bayan Muna is disqualified or designated as a terrorist organization. These lies are part of a systematic and consolidated attack on legal democratic participation. Let us be clear: Bayan Muna remains on the ballot and is ready to serve.

We call on the people to remain vigilant. Let us fight back against disinformation and stand firm against all malicious statements and attacks. Let us continue spreading the truth: we are part of this election, and we will prevail through unity, courage, and determination.

We will not cower. We will overcome.

On Monday, May 12, vote for the Makabayan partylists:
[vote only one]
#4 Kabataan,
#21 ACT Teachers,
#46 Gabriela Women’s Party, and
#59 Bayan Muna Partylist, and

our 11 Senators:
2 ADONIS, JEROME (MKBYN)
4 ANDAMO, ALYN (MKBYN)
6 ARAMBULO, RONNEL (MKBYN)
13 BROSAS, ARLENE (MKBYN)
16 CASIÑO, TEDDY (MKBYN)
17 CASTRO, FRANCE (MKBYN)
23 DORINGO, MIMI (MKBYN)
26 FLORANDA, MODY (MKBYN)
37 LIDASAN, AMIRAH (MKBYN)
44 MAZA, LIZA (MKBYN)
54 RAMOS, DANILO (MKBYN)

ANGKUNON NATON ANG KADALAG-AN!
PUMULUYO NAMAN ANG KONGRESO KAG SENADO!

P**A ANG KULAY NG TUNAY NA PAGBABAGO!

Makabayan Panay capped its campaign today by joining the miting de avance of Team Sulong Gugma, alongside 80,000 strong supporters.

Makabayan reiterated its shared unities with Team Sulong Gugma, including:

- Opposition to market privatization
- Opposition to the phaseout of public utility vehicles
- Respect for human rights, including freedom of expression and association
- Commitment to pro-people development
- Advocacy for quality education and the abolition of the K–12 curriculum
- Support for workers' protection and job security
- Rejection of red-tagging
- Support for accessible, people-centered services

P**A ANG MATUOD-TUOD NGA DUAG SANG PAGBAG-O!
ANGKUNON NATON ANG KADALAG-AN!
PUMULUYO NAMAN ANG KONGRESO KAG SENADO!

MAKABAYAN-Panay Endorses Lee Ann Debuque for Vice Governor of Iloilo Province

MAKABAYAN, as a political party, has stood with the people in their struggle to defend and advance their rights and welfare. As a matter of principle, MAKABAYAN builds alliances to strengthen the people's voice; thus, MAKABAYAN endorses candidates based on their stand on key people's issues.

MAKABAYAN-Panay and vice-gubernatorial candidate Lee Ann Debuque, in a consultation, have agreed on two major people's concerns:

*** That the Supreme Court ruling on municipal waters, which will disenfranchise small fisherfolk and municipal local government units, needs to be overturned.

*** That there is a need to increase the education budget.

Debuque also committed to conducting genuine people's consultations with various sectoral groups to ensure that legislation is informed by and grounded in the people's actual concerns.

Based on these stated commitments and her openness to dialogue, MAKABAYAN-Panay endorses Lee Ann Debuque for Vice Governor of Iloilo Province. # # #

STATEMENT
May 9, 2025

Makabayan Panay Endorses Love Love Baronda for Vice Mayor, Jamjam Baronda for Lone District Representative, and 10 Individual GUGMA Councilors

MAKABAYAN, as a political party, has always stood with the people in their struggle to defend and advance their rights and welfare. Guided by principle, MAKABAYAN builds alliances that amplify the people's voice. In this light, we endorse candidates based on their position on key issues that matter to the public.

MAKABAYAN-Panay held a dialogue with Cong. Jamjam Baronda, Vice Mayoral candidate Love Love Baronda, and ten of their councilor candidates: Von Deveza, Kesha Pesina, Stanley Flores, Peter Oñate, GM Ramos, Jun Capulot, Mor Espinosa, Boots Gerochi, Sheen Mabilog, and Bryant Zulueta.

Each of them clearly expressed their stance on pressing concerns faced by the people of Iloilo City, including:

* Opposition to market privatization
* Opposition to the phaseout of public utility vehicles
* Commitment to pro-people development
* Respect for human rights, including freedom of expression and association
* Rejection of red-tagging
* Support for accessible, people-centered services like water and electricity
* Support for workers’ protection and job security
* Advocacy for quality education and the abolition of the K-12 curriculum

These were among the key issues that MAKABAYAN-Panay and the Gugma team discussed and reached common ground on.

Their openness to dialogue and sincere commitment to respond to the Ilonggos’ demands for just and people-oriented governance are the reasons why MAKABAYAN-Panay endorses Jamjam Baronda for Iloilo City Lone District Representative, Love Love Baronda for Vice Mayor, and the following candidates for City Council: Von Deveza, Kesha Pesina, Stanley Flores, Peter Oñate, GM Ramos, Jun Capulot, Mor Espinosa, Boots Gerochi, Sheen Mabilog, and Bryant Zulueta. # # #

MAKABAYAN PANAY STATEMENT ON ITS CONTINUING DIALOGUE WITH THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR

Makabayan Panay welcomes Mayor Jerry Treñas’ openness to have a dialogue on pressing issues affecting our constituents and the broader Ilonggo community. These issues include the phaseout of traditional jeepneys, the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), and the privatization of Iloilo City's public markets. These concerns were raised once more in a recent meeting with the Mayor. Despite his willingness to discuss such issues, the Mayor nonetheless stood firm in pursuing these policies. No agreements nor concessions were made, especially not on the matter of electoral support.

As a matter of principle, Makabayan Panay remains open to engaging any administration occupying the Mayor’s office to assert and uphold the people's rights and welfare. We also welcome future opportunities for dialogue, should the Mayor remain open to them. In the coming days, Makabayan Panay will announce the candidates who have supported our pro-people agenda and stood with us on key issues—such as opposing the PUJ phaseout, forced consolidation, privatization, reclamation, and other threats to the livelihoods and well-being of the Ilonggo people. # # #