Pamalakaya's Ronnel Arambulo is Makabayan coalition's fifth senatorial bet under its 2025 slate. Photo from Pamalakaya

MANILA — The Makabayan coalition has added another senatorial bet in its 2025 line up with Ronnel Arambulo, a local fisherman from Laguna de Bay, who declared his candidacy Monday in Navotas City, the country’s fishing capital.

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Arambulo is the current vice Chairperson of the fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya). 

“Malugod kong tinatanggap ang hamon ng Koalisyong Makabayan na maging bahagi ng kanilang senatorial slate para higit pang maisulong ang karapatan ng sektor ng mangingisda," he said.

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Arambulo said there has never been a national candidate who genuinely championed the interests of the common Filipino, including fisherfolk, who continue to suffer due to politics and nature.

"Sa West Philippine Sea, patuloy na hindi nakakapangisda ang mga Pilipino dahil sa umiigting na presensyang militar hindi na lamang ng China, kundi pati ng mga karibal nitong bansa tulad ng Estados Unidos... Sa ibang mayor na pangisdaan tulad ng Manila Bay, kabi-kabila ang kalamidad na dinanas ng mga mangingisda bunga ng reklamasyon at iba pang anyo ng pribatisasyon," he said.

Pamalakaya said Arambulo has been a fisherfolk leader since 2008.

Arambulo is the fiftth candidate under the Makabayan coalition's Senate slate following the proclamations of ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, Kilusang Mayo Uno’s Jerome Adonis, and former anti-poverty czar Liza Maza. 

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