1 month ago
14
CALAMBA CITY — Former senator Leila de Lima has been named the first nominee of the newly established Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list which aims to represent marginalized sectors, including the poor, workers, senior citizens, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), and victims of social injustice.
Joining her on the ML Party-list ticket are former representative Teddy Baguilat, who will focus on environmental issues and Indigenous peoples' rights, and Erin Tañada, an advocate of education reform.
In a press conference held at this city on Feb. 8, 2025, de Lima, known for her human rights advocacy, has declared her goals to champion the social justice.
She said she plans to push a Magna Carta for Fisherfolk to ensure that municipal waters within 15 kilometers of shorelines are reserved for local fishermen, preventing commercial fishing operations from exploiting these resources.
She also intends to review the Rice Tariffication Act in her bid to lower rice prices and protect local farmers from unfair competition.
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Additionally, she said plans to address urban poor concerns, particularly relocation issues, housing mortgages, and Indigenous peoples' ancestral domain rights.
De Lima confirmed that she will be filing legal charges against those responsible for her years of detention, emphasizing that this move is not about revenge but about seeking justice.
While she recognizes the importance of the party-list system, she believes it needs to be reviewed, citing concerns about potential abuse.
The Mamamayang Liberal Party-list aims to secure seats in Congress to champion these advocacies in the upcoming elections.
