Cash aid, anti-dynasty law among Makabayan bloc’s agenda as it names candidates for 2022 elections
THE MAKABAYAN BLOC, a group of progressive party-lists, have named their candidates for the 2022 national elections.
The coalition said during its national convention on Monday that their platform would push for measures such as P10,000 cash aid per family, proposed anti-dynasty law, ending contractualization, junking the National Task Force to End Local Armed Communist Conflict, and resuming peace talks with communist rebels, among others.
Former representatives Teodoro A. Casiño and Antonio L. Tinio seek a return to the House of Representatives as nominees for Bayan Muna and ACT Teachers, respectively.
Former agrarian reform secretary Rafael V. Mariano would also run for congressman under Anakpawis. He previously served as its House representative from 2004 to 2013.
Incumbent representative Ferdinand R. Gaite and Moro-Christian People’s Alliance Secretary-General Amirah A. Lidasan were named Bayan Muna’s second and third nominees.
Gabriela’s Party-list Rep. Arlene D. Brosas and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France L. Castro would also run for their third and final term in the House.
Kabataan Partylist selected its national president Raoul Danniel A. Manuel as their first nominee with incumbent Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago no longer qualified to be nominated under the group as she is over 30 years old by the 2022 polls.
The coalition also backed the senatorial runs of Bayan Muna chair Neri J. Colmenares and Kilusang Mayo Uno chair Elmer “Bong” Labog.
Among significant legislative measures authored by the Makabayan bloc were House Bill 8512, which was enacted into Republic Act 11548, a law that allows the President to defer increases in contributions to the Social Security System during state of calamity.
Its members were also instrumental in the enactment of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Republic Act 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, and Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Act. — Russell Louis C. Ku
