Groups urge aspiring lawmakers to craft laws that serve PH’s most vulnerable

MANILA, Philippines – Over 100 grassroots organizations and people’s movements have called on aspiring senators and congressional candidates to prioritize pro-poor and pro-people reforms in the lead-up to the midterm elections in May.

Led by the Ugnayan Lakas ng mga Apektadong Pamilya sa Tabing Ilog Confederation (ULAP) and the Bahangunihan Fisherfolk Network Alliance, the groups formalized their appeal through a symbolic covenant signing event held at LRB Residences in Pasig City last Saturday, April 12.

Through a “citizen covenant,” the groups outlined a comprehensive legislative agenda and demanded that candidates publicly commit to addressing long-standing social and environmental injustices through meaningful policy change.

“For a long time, the voices of fisherfolk, farmers, women, and other sectors have not been heard,” said Annaliza Sante, president of the Bahangunihan Lake and River Network . “This alliance gives us hope that our rights and livelihoods will finally be protected.”

“Naniniwala kami na sa matibay na pagkakaisa at walang humpay na pagsulong ng ating mga lehitimong karapatan ay makakamit ang makatao at makatarungang batas na matagal nang ipinagkait sa mamamayang Pilipino,” ULAP Confederation president Jonjon Elago added.

(We believe that through strong unity and the relentless advancement of our legitimate rights, we can achieve just and humane laws that have long been denied to the Filipino people.)

The covenant urges future lawmakers to enact legislation that:

• upholds dignity and quality of life for the poor
• protects the rights of farmers, fisherfolk, and indigenous peoples
• defends human rights and justice
• addresses the worsening climate crisis
• improves access to public services and
• promotes authentic people’s participation in governance.

Specific legislative priorities such as affordable housing, decent jobs, quality public services, climate-resilient communities, river and estuary rehabilitation, waste management, reforestation, reduction of fish pens, and the protection of lake areas were also part of the agenda.

More than a thousand residents and members of urban poor organizations from Pasig, Taytay and San Mateo in Rizal, Manila, Taguig, Quezon City, and Laguna participated in the event.

Established in 1996, ULAP Confederation is a network of urban poor families living along waterways, advocating for housing rights, disaster resilience, and inclusive urban development.

The Bahangunihan alliance, on the other hand, is a coalition of small-scale fisherfolk working to promote sustainable livelihoods, protect aquatic ecosystems, and reduce harmful commercial practices in inland and coastal waters.

Pledge of accountability

Vicente Barlos, external vice president of ULAP Confederation, described the covenant as a “binding commitment to the people.”

“We will actively monitor and ensure that the supported lawmakers deliver on their promise to advocate for and enact laws that truly uplift the most vulnerable and establish a just future for all Filipinos,” he said on Saturday.

Among those who signed the covenant were senatorial hopefuls known for their advocacy work.

Former interior secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., who has pushed for housing reforms and disaster preparedness, and environmentalist David D’Angelo, a longtime advocate of climate action and ecological governance, signed the agreement.

Labor leaders Leodegario “Ka Leody” de Guzman, Renecio “Luke” Espiritu Jr., and Jose “Sonny” Matula, who have campaigned for workers’ rights, higher wages, and ending contractualization, backed the covenant, reinforcing their platforms centered on social and economic justice.

Former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who has prioritized food security and rural development throughout his political career, emphasized that the covenant aligns closely with his existing commitments to support farmers and fisherfolk.

Senatorial candidates Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino and former state audit commissioner Heidi Mendoza, both of whom sent video messages due to prior commitments, also expressed solidarity. Aquino has been known for pushing inclusive economic policies, youth empowerment, and education access, while Mendoza advocates for clean governance and budget transparency.

On the congressional side, first nominees former senator Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal party list and lawyer Ricky Tomotorgo of the Bunyog Pagkakaisa party list were among those who signed the agreement.

De Lima, a staunch human rights advocate, reiterated the importance of unity in people’s movements.

“Dapat po magsasama-sama tayong lahat na grupo para sinasabay din natin ang ating lakas. Ika nga, there is strength in numbers and there is force in unshakable conviction,” she said.

(We should all come together as groups to combine our strengths. As they say, there is strength in numbers and there is force in unshakable conviction.)

De Guzman used the platform to call for political awakening among voters, which aligned with his advocacy for systemic change.

“Ang aking mungkahi, kung inyong mamarapatin, ay baguhin natin ang framework ng ating pagboto,” he said.

(My suggestion, if you would allow it, is that we change the framework of how we vote.)

“Madala na tayo sa mga politikong mayaman, sikat, at lalo na kung mula sa political dynasty. Hindi sila talaga para sa atin,” he added.

(We should learn our lesson when it comes to politicians who are wealthy, famous, and especially those from political dynasties. They are not truly for us.) – Hannah Andaya/Rappler.com

Hannah Andaya is a Rappler intern studying Communication at the University of Santo Tomas.