MANILA, Philippines — House assistant minority leader and Gabriela Women’s Party representative Arlene Brosas said Tuesday she is running for the 2025 Senatorial elections.
“This decision is driven by the urgent need to defend women’s rights against the ongoing onslaught of patriarchal and women’s policies,” Brosas said.
Brosas is the second senatorial candidate from the Makabayan coalition, which has pledged to field a full 12-member Senate slate for next year’s midterm elections.
ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro was the first to declare her Senate candidacy earlier this month.
At a press conference, Brosas pledged to be the “real voice of change” and to advocate for the interests of women, children, and the nation.
“The unprecedented crisis doubly burdening women, the severe oppression and discrimination, and the various forms of state-sponsored violence give me even greater determination to serve the oppressed and those in need,” she said.
Among the laws the Gabriela lawmaker passed includeRA 11058 (Occupational Safety and Health Law), RA 11210 (Expanded Maternity Leave Law), RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Law), RA 11648 (Increasing the Age for Statutory Rape), and RA 11861 (Expanded Solo Parent Welfare Act).
‘Opposition of the people’
Earlier last week, the Makabayan bloc said its lineup will be the “opposition of the people” adding that they plan to nominate political figures or individuals who have long been dedicated to their respective causes and not from political families.
Former Makabayan legislators Neri Colmenares, Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, and Antonio Tinio said on Thursday that most of their 12 candidates will be from their group.
For its part, the group said they are also willing to talk to other candidates who share their causes.
“We are open to nominations or suggestions for other candidates who agree with us on certain issues,” Colmenares said.
