MANILA, Philippines — Bulacan rice farmer Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos announced his plans to run for Senate in the 2025 midterm elections on Thursday under the Makabayan slate.
Ramos is the chairperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
“I am accepting the challenge and difficult task of our times to carry the interests of Filipino farmers to the Senate. We must step and show that there are alternatives to traditional political parties and dynasties,” Ramos said in his acceptance speech.
Ramos, carrying the slogan “Farmers, plant them in the Senate,” said it’s time for “real representation of poor and marginalized farmers” in the Senate, as they make up a large part of the country’s population.
“Dala ang karanasan bilang magbubukid, higit kong itataguyod ang tunay na reporma sa lupa at pag-unlad ng kanayunan, gayundin ang tunay na pag-unlad ng kapwa mahirap at mga Pilipino sa loob at labas ng bansa,” he said.
Ramos said that if he is elected in the midterm elections next year, he will push for policies and programs to ensure affordable rice prices, food security, and the strengthening of local production.
In his acceptance speech, Ramos outlined specific proposals to achieve lower rice prices and simplify rice importation. His key steps include: 1) Providing direct production support to rice farmers, 2) Government-led procurement of palay (unmilled rice) from farmers, and 3) Selling or distributing rice to low-income consumers at subsidized prices.
“The preservation and protection of agricultural lands devoted to rice and food production is also primary in increasing local production and achieving lower rice prices,” Ramos said.
Ramos is the seventh Makabayan candidate to announce a Senate bid. The current Makabayan slate includes:
Bayan Muna Representative and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Chairperson Teddy Casiño
Alliance of Concerned Teachers Representative France Castro
Gabriela Partylist Representative Arlene Brosas
Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary General Jerome Adonis
Former Gabriela Partylist Representative and former National Anti-Poverty Commission Chairperson Liza Maza
Pamalakaya Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo
