A bittersweet end to Makabayan’s ‘real opposition’ campaign

The outcome of the 2025 elections has been bittersweet for voters who were in search of an alternative to Marcos-Duterte politics. This is especially so for the Makabayan coalition that stood on a “genuine opposition” platform amplified by its party-list groups and a near-complete Senate slate.

A stunning turn of events saw former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan in the Magic 12. Social democratic political party Akbayan, with human rights lawyer Chel Diokno as its first nominee, is leading the party-list race.