Some senatorial candidates took the opportunity to make known their plans and platforms before the mostly youth audience at the Haparan sa Diliman forum on Thursday, which centered on the equality agenda.
The forum for the senatorial candidates in the May 2025 elections was held at the School of Statistics Auditorium at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
In attendance were Roy Cabonegro of Jerusalem Democratic Party of the Philippines; Arnel Escobal of Partido Maharlika; Ernesto Arellano of Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi; Sonny Matula of Workers and Peasants Party; Leody De Guzman of Partido Lakas ng Masa; and independent candidates Jose Jessie Olivar, Angelo De Alban, and Norman Marquez.
Cabonegro emphasized the urgency of addressing environmental concerns, calling for a “Green Government” by 2028.
He said there is a need to move away from political dynasties and corrupt governance, stating, “Wala na rin tayong panahon sa dynastiya, trapo at mga magnanakaw sa gobyerno dahil ang dami na nating problema ang kailangan [solusyunan].”
“Ang climate change, mataas ang awareness natin, ang problema, yung action, lalo na sa estado, hindi kaya na tayo lang. Kailangan mauna siya sa agenda sa pamumuno,” he added.
Cabonegro, who has spent 25 years in development and environmental work, stressed the importance of electing leaders with strong ecological advocacy. He urged the audience to support environmentally conscious leaders to ensure sustainable policies for the country’s future.
Escobal, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) official, highlighted his extensive experience in law enforcement and governance. He detailed his educational background, including studies at the Philippine Military Academy, the University of Santo Tomas, and the University of Oxford.
With over 38 years in public service, Escobal emphasized his leadership roles, particularly in the Anti-Cybercrime Group, Highway Patrol Group, and Aviation Security Group. He positioned himself as a candidate with the expertise to address the Senate’s security, governance, and public policy challenges.
“Para sa akin ako gusto kong maging spark, gusto kong mag simula ng apoy, kailangan natin ng good governance, ng merong transparency and accountability. Kailangang palawakin ang free education at nang magkaroon lahat ng opportunity at kabuhayan,” he stated.
Arellano, a lawyer for workers and informal settlers, stated that after years of practicing law and focusing on implementing legal provisions, he now aims to become a legislator.
He aims to address the nation’s needs by proposing and enacting essential and beneficial laws for the Filipino masses.
“Ang aking hamon sa aking kapwa Pilipino at kumakandidato tignan natin at solusyunan natin ang problema ng employement sa bansa,” he said.
Olivar sought to upgrade agriculture and productivity in the country.
“Gusto kong makatulong sa lahat, ang mga magsasaka ngayon naiwan na sa ere. Gusto kong matulungan,” he said.
He hoped every farmer in the Philippines would be freed from the contractualization program.
De Alban, who served as a professor at the University of Santo Tomas for 16 years, stated that among his advocacies is to expand the benefits for children with special needs and persons with disabilities.
“Kailangan magkaroon sila ng kakampi at boss sa Senado dahil hindi po natin napagtutuunan ang kanilang mga pangailangan,” he said.
Marquez positioned himself as the “voice of animals and the marginalized sector” in the Senate, advocating for their rights and welfare.
“For the past 8 years ako po yung pinakilalang pambansang sumbungan ng mga naabusong hayop. Pero sa pag-ikot ko po sa buong Pilipinas, hindi lang hayop at tinutulungan ko na walang boses kundi pati rin ang mga hirap, indigents, ng mga tagapag-alaga ng hayop at kanilang marginalized sectors,” he stated.
Matula shared that he was once a laborer in Agusan before becoming a lawyer.
He also highlighted his role as one of the counsels for the petitioner in the ongoing Supreme Court case on PhilHealth’s fund transfer to the National Treasury.
“Akin pong pinaglalaban ang mga karapatan ng mga manggagawa, na magkaroon ng nakabubuhay na sahod, magklaroon ng kasiguruhan sa trabaho at wakasan ang contractualization,” he said.
De Guzman said he is running for senator to advocate for workers’ rights and push for significant labor reforms.
He emphasized the need to end contractualization, ensure equal wages for workers in the provinces and Metro Manila, and strengthen labor unions’ rights. Beyond labor issues, De Guzman called for a shift in the country’s taxation system, proposing higher taxes on the wealthy instead of burdening the poor.
“At pati yung bilyon-bilyong yaman ng mga bilyonaryo sa ating bansa ay dapat na rin i-tax yan. Hindi mangyayari itong aming pangarap na ito hanggat ang nasa gobyerno sa ating pamahalaan ay ang mga dynasty, trapo at bilyonaryong politiko,” he said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
