The political coalition Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan) presented an alternative program that, it says, aims to replace the rotten system prevailing in the country. Amid the continuing exposure of the widespread corruption involving the Marcos-Duterte regime, the coalition announced the “Program for National Democracy” at a press conference on November 22.
Makabayan stated that Filipinos are now seeking beyond the superficial or temporary, but for systemic and long-term solutions. “People can no longer rely on politicians who keep robbing and deceiving us. Not Marcos, not Duterte, or politicians like them,” said Makabayan.
As an alternative to the rotten system and politics, the coalition laid out an eight-point program that will promote meaningful economic and political change. The program contains the following:
1. Power to the people! Fight for a nationalist government! End the rule of foreigners and the few, dismantle political dynasties, and hold corrupt and abusive officials accountable. Abolish the pork barrel system and the roots of government corruption. Attain genuine people’s power, especially for workers, peasants, the poor, indigenous peoples, the youth, women, and other oppressed sectors.
2. Nationalist economy, end poverty! Promote national development based on genuine land reform and national industrialization. End foreign dictates in the economy and prioritize Filipino interests. Dismantle feudalism in the countryside that sustains political dynasties.
3. Immediate relief for the people! Raise wages and salaries for workers and employees. Abolish excessive taxes that burden citizens. Provide free basic services, especially education and health. Place electricity, water, and transportation under public ownership and ensure they serve the people’s interest.
4. Defend national sovereignty! Uphold an independent foreign policy and abrogate all unequal agreements with foreign powers. Promote diplomacy as an instrument for resolving conflicts. End the presence of US military bases and troops. Uphold sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
5. Protect the environment! Uphold the right to a safe environment, stop destructive environmental programs, repeal anti-environment and pro-foreign environmental laws, and enact pro-environment legislation.
6. Uphold human rights and achieve just peace! Seek justice for all victims of human rights violations. Uphold the rights of National Minorities and the Moro people. Dismantle instruments of human rights violations such as the NTF-ELCAC and the Anti-Terror Law. Reopen and resume the peace talks.
7. Advance the liberation of women and the LGBTQ community and the struggle against discrimination, exploitation, and abuse.
8. Promote patriotic culture and education! Support arts and culture that serve the people and national liberation. Advance patriotic, scientific, and mass-oriented education as national policy.
According to Makabayan, the people must persevere in collective action to achieve their national and democratic aspirations. “A nationalist government, composed of the genuine representatives of the people, will pave the way for meaningful economic and political change,” it said.
Makabayan’s announcement came a few days after various organizations, led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), called for the ouster of Marcos and Duterte from power. Bayan is also pushing for a transition council as a replacement and temporary governing body should Marcos and Duterte be removed from office. Aside from Bayan, several political forces already support the formation of the transition council.