Your vote, your choice. Your voice, your future.

We are at the tail end of the 2025 senatorial campaign. Twelve individuals, whether fresh faces or familiar names, will soon shape our nation’s future for the next six years.

This is a defining moment for the Filipino people. Our nation is burdened by deep and persistent challenges. Systematic corruption, widening income inequality and the unchecked dominance of political dynasties. While some argue that raising the minimum wage may hurt profitability or economic growth, this ignores a more urgent reality. Millions of Filipinos are underpaid, overworked and left behind. These are interconnected problems that demand intentional leadership, meaningful reform and a government that truly serves its people.

Sixty-six senatorial candidates are vying for our votes. Many claim to champion the poor or fight corruption, while others rely on popularity. But the real question is: is this election just about supporting political families, or a chance to remind those in power that they are public servants?

Now is the time to elect leaders who are actively fighting with us in the front lines. Even if you already have candidates in mind, I urge you to make room for these four. They have proven experience and platforms grounded in service and action.

Atty. Luke Espiritu has fought for workers’ rights as a labor lawyer and leader, advocating for fair wages and job security. As president of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, he provided pro bono legal aid to factory workers who were illegally dismissed, helping them win proper separation pay and reinstatement.

Heidi Mendoza, former commissioner of the Commission on Audit and a UN undersecretary general, exposed multi-million-peso corruption scandals. Her forensic audit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines uncovered P1.5 billion in unliquidated funds and led to the prosecution of high-ranking officials.

Atty. Kiko Pangilinan has authored laws that uplift Filipino farmers and strengthen the agriculture sector, such as the Sagip Saka Act, which streamlines procurement for farmers and ensures better income by bypassing middlemen. As agriculture czar, he led a crackdown on rice hoarders, bringing rice inflation down from 15 percent to less than one percent.

Bam Aquino championed access to education through the Free College Law and supported small businesses and young entrepreneurs with the Go Negosyo Act. His leadership ensured the full implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, allowing thousands of students from poor families to attend college for free. He has also been a staunch supporter of Philippine esports, helping establish the Philippine eSports Association (PeSPA) and facilitated travel for Filipino teams to compete in international tournaments such as The International 2016.

I also stand behind progressive party-lists that give voice to marginalized sectors. Akbayan fights for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, health care access and workers’ protections, grounded in grassroots organizing and legislative victories like the Reproductive Health Law and the Sin Tax Reform. Their current nominees, Atty. Chel Diokno, head of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), and Dr. Tere Robles, a public health expert, are committed to creating an inclusive society. Atty. Diokno’s legal advocacy includes representing victims of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. Dr. Robles has led mobile medical missions, bringing health care to neglected communities.

Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal brings together Atty. Leila de Lima, a former justice secretary and senator who has long fought for justice, human rights and the rule of law even while unjustly detained. Before her time in the Senate, Atty. de Lima led investigations into high-profile cases such as the Maguindanao massacre and the Davao Death Squad.

Alongside her is Atty. Erin Tañada, a human rights lawyer and former congressman who championed accountability and transparency, pushing for the Freedom of Information Act and empowering the youth through access to skills training and jobs.

You hold the power to choose leaders who will prioritize your well-being, especially the poor and vulnerable. Competent leaders who are genuinely committed to public service. We tend to take for granted what many candidates forget: true power resides with the people. Government authority must be rooted in public trust and held accountable to its citizens. Time and again, we neglect the strength of our collective voice, the power to uphold freedom, demand accountability and fight for the common good. I hope this is not the case this mid-year election.

If you care about the issues that affect your future, ask yourself: does this candidate embody your values, or are they just a familiar face? Are they advocating for your rights and needs, or using your vote for political gain? Is your vote protecting the corrupt or helping bring justice? Is it silencing the oppressed or lifting their voice? Is it limiting your chances for a better life or fighting for one where you can hope and dream of a better future?