MANILA — Senatorial candidate Jerome Adonis is not worried over the low ranking of Makabayan Coalition bets in recent surveys. 

According to Adonis, they are focusing on their ground campaigning considering their financial limitations. 

“Challenge pa rin sa amin talaga kung paano mapaabot namin on the ground yung aming platform,” Adonis said during ABS-CBN’s Harapan 2025 on Tuesday. 

“Punta kami sa mga terminal, sa mga communities, sa mga factory dala-dala namin yung aming platform na pinag-uusapan natin na direkta, talagang tutugon doon sa kailangan ng ating mga kababayan.” 

He added, “Ang edge naman namin yung mga so called sikat, mga traditional na politician, mga dynasties, hindi pa pumupunta sa ground.”  

Some of Adonis’ advocacies include pushing for labor rights, bringing the prices of basic commodities down, and fighting for genuine land reform.

ICC, IMPEACHMENT, DIVORCE

Adonis was also asked about pressing issues in the country such as the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. He believes this was warranted even if many claim Duterte’s rights were disregarded. 

“Yes na yes po. Para mapanagutan niya yung kanyang krimen na ginawa sa ating bansa,” Adonis said. “Siya ay may nakamit na crime so kailangan niyang panagutan.” 

He also supports the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and has urged to Senate President Francis Escudero to immediately start the trial. 

“Very clear may nilustay na pera, hindi maipaliwanag. Imaginin niyo, 125 million pesos in 11 days samantalang ang manggagawang Pilipino, nagdurusa sa minimum wage na 645,” Adonis said. “At kung ano-anong kasinungalingan sa reporting para lang mabigyang katwiran ang paggamit ng pera. Dapat maging lesson talaga, dapat ma-convict siya sa Senate.” 

Asked what good the impeachment will do for the ordinary Filipino, Adonis answered, “Kung lahat ng politiko na nagnanakaw mapaparusahan, makakamit natin yung justice system, at the same time ipasauli natin ang lahat ng ninakaw na pera at ilaan yan sa serbisyo sa taumbayan.” 

Adonis said he already expected the breakup of the UniTeam of the Vice President and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. which was allegedly borne out of political interest 

On the question whether the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) is a form of pork barrel, Adonis readily answered yes as these allegedly need the approval of congressmen before being disbursed. 

Adonis, meanwhile, does not support the pivot of the Philippines to the United States on the matter of the West Philippine Sea.

“Ang stand natin sa Makabayan, di tama. Dapat free tayo sa pakikialam ng Estados Unidos at ng China. Dapat ipatupad natin yung independent foreign policy. Puwede naman tayong makipag-trade relation, economic relation, pero siguruduhin natin na may mutual na pakinabang sa’tin. Pero dito sa nangyayari sa China, sa US, talo palagi ang Pilipinas,” he asserted.  

As for the legalization of divorce, Adonis said he backs it 100 percent.   

”Alam natin na maraming mga pamilya na nag-aaway-away, nagsasakitan lang din naman,” he said. “Di natin puwedeng tanggihan yung aktwal na realidad ng buhay.” 

He will also push for the allocation of 6% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the education sector. He wants more teachers, better salary for them, opportunities for upskilling, and additional school facilities. 

Adonis said he was not able to finish high school, a consequence caused by problems in the education system and a situation he endeavors to correct.

RELATED VIDEO