In The Public Square: The real opposition? Makabayan aims for the Senate

MANILA, Philippines – On National Heroes Day, the Makabayan coalition of left-leaning party-list groups launched an ambitious Senate campaign: 10 candidates, mainly from the basic sectors, for the 12 Senate seats at stake in the 2025 midterm elections.

Two more candidates may be named this month, but as it is they already have a fisherman, a farmer, a driver, a nurse, and a migrant worker in their lineup.

What’s the thinking behind this bold plan? Will it work? And what does “work” even mean?

In this episode of In The Public Square, Rappler columnist and editorial consultant John Nery is joined by former three-term Bayan Muna congressman and current Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chair Teddy Casiño. He is also one of the Makabayan candidates for the Senate in 2025.

Watch the episode on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 pm. – Rappler.com