Progressives launch new coalition party

Heeding the clamor for better and transparent governance, partylists and people's organizations in the Philippines formed the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (MAKABAYAN, Patriotic Coalition of the People) last April 16, 2009 at the University of the Philippines Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

MAKABAYAN is a patriotic and pro-people political coalition aiming to pursue wide-ranging reforms in the 2010 Philippine national elections and beyond.

Consistent partylist electoral winners Bayan Muna (People First), Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) and Gabriela Women's Party and new partylist groups Kabataang Pinoy (Filipino Youth), Courage Party (of government employees) and ACT Teachers Party, all in command of a network of highly skilled and motivated organizers and supporters nationwide, formed the core of the coalition.

General Program of Action

MAKABAYAN's general platform for the 2010 elections hinges on fighting for people empowerment, transparency and accountability in governance, uplifting the lives of the poor, developing a strong and self-reliant domestic economy, a more equitable distribution of wealth, saving the environment, defending national sovereignty, upholding human rights and pursuing a just and lasting peace.

The coalition also announced that it would work for the independence of Congress and the Judiciary from the Executive and strengthen the system of checks and balances among the branches of government.

No charter change, make Arroyo accountable

The coalition also made clear its stance against all moves to further impair democracy and national sovereignty by strengthening elite rule and foreign influence through the Arroyo administration's present bid for charter change.

MAKABAYAN vowed to prosecute Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and top Arroyo officials for plunder and corruption, human rights abuses and other crimes committed under her administration and to immediately take steps to freeze and seize their unexplained and ill-gotten wealth once she steps down from office after the 2010 elections.

The Left in the Senate

In a press conference held after the coalition’s founding assembly, newly-elected MAKABAYAN co-chairperson and economist Maita Gomez declared the coalition's plans to field candidates from the municipal to national levels.

“As of now, we are proposing at least four possible candidates for the Senate. (They are) Public officials with clean track records in government and a long history of leadership and public service. Patuloy silang pinagkakatiwalaan ng masa dahil itinataguyod nila ang pulitika ng masa (They continue to enjoy the support and trust of the people because they promote and advocate the politics of the masses),” Gomez said.

Gomez revealed the initial four as House Deputy Minority Leader Satur Ocampo, Reps. Liza Maza (Gabriela Women’s Party), Rafael Mariano (Anakpawis) and Teodoro Casiño (Bayan Muna).

Rep. Ocampo meanwhile said that they are “all open to the proposal and are still scouting for other possible candidates who are willing to embrace MAKABAYAN’s patriotic and pro-people orientation.”

The coalition may also endorse like-minded candidates, create its own slate with guest candidates at any level, or even coalesce further with other parties for a joint slate, MAKABAYAN's founders declared.