The 2025 elections are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent history, and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list is at the center of the action. Leading this movement are three veteran public servants: Leila de Lima, Erin Tañada, and Teddy Baguilat—each bringing a strong track record of advocacy, governance, and public service.
Adding even more excitement to their campaign is showbiz superstar Nadine Lustre, who has thrown her full support behind ML Party-list. With De Lima and Tañada opting for the party-list system instead of running individually, and Baguilat shifting his focus from local to national representation, this strategy is turning heads.
Why Leila de Lima Chose ML Party-list Instead of the Senate
For years, Leila de Lima has been one of the most controversial yet respected figures in Philippine politics. A staunch human rights advocate, she was jailed for nearly seven years on drug-related charges that she has always insisted were politically motivated. After her acquittal in 2023, many expected her to run for the Senate again—but she made a bold decision instead: joining ML Party-list.
Her reason? A more strategic way to push for reforms and have a realistic chance of winning.
"My pragmatic side tells me na medyo mahihirapan sa Senado (that I might have a hard time in the Senate)," she admitted.
By joining ML Party-list, De Lima hopes to rebuild the Liberal Party’s influence in Congress while continuing her fight for justice, human rights, and good governance.
Teddy Baguilat: From Indigenous Rights to National Representation
Teddy Baguilat is no stranger to public service. A former Ifugao Representative, he has spent decades championing indigenous peoples’ rights, environmental conservation, and good governance. His advocacy has earned him both praise and opposition, especially from powerful interests who see his policies as a threat.
After running for the Senate in 2022 and falling short, Baguilat is now taking a new approach—securing a congressional seat through ML Party-list.
"The fight for indigenous peoples' rights, climate action, and social justice is not over. We need voices in Congress who will stand for the marginalized," he said.
By joining ML Party-list, Baguilat brings his expertise on indigenous and environmental issues into the national conversation, ensuring that underrepresented communities have a seat at the table.
The Full Lineup of ML Party-list Nominees
ML Party-list isn’t just about De Lima, Tañada, and Baguilat. The group has assembled a diverse and experienced set of nominees, each bringing a unique perspective on governance, activism, and public service:
Leila de Lima – Former senator and human rights advocate.
Teddy Baguilat – Former Ifugao Representative, champion for indigenous peoples' rights and environmental conservation.
Erin Tañada – Veteran lawmaker and human rights advocate, aiming to rebuild the Liberal Party’s congressional presence.
Rowena Amon – Community organizer with a focus on women's rights and grassroots empowerment.
Filomena Cinco – Educator and advocate for accessible, quality education.
Hernani Panganiban – Healthcare professional pushing for improved public health services.
Earl John Bilog – Youth leader promoting civic engagement and political awareness among young Filipinos.
Juliana Riparip – Entrepreneur supporting small businesses and sustainable economic development.
Winnifredo Lati – Agriculturalist advocating for farmers' welfare and agricultural advancements.
Frine Cristina Sanchez – Lawyer committed to legal reforms and justice for marginalized communities.
With this dynamic mix of veteran lawmakers, grassroots activists, educators, health advocates, youth leaders, and entrepreneurs, ML Party-list presents itself as a strong alternative to traditional political groups.
Why Erin Tañada is Betting on the Party-list System
For Erin Tañada, joining ML Party-list isn’t just about securing a congressional seat—it’s about reviving the Liberal Party’s influence in Congress.
Over the years, LP has struggled to stay relevant, especially after being targeted by disinformation campaigns. Instead of taking the traditional route, Tañada saw the party-list system as a more effective way to reconnect with the people, especially the marginalized sectors that the party has long championed.
"We are bringing back true representation to the party-list system," he said, emphasizing that many existing party-list groups do not genuinely serve the communities they claim to represent.
Nadine Lustre’s Endorsement Shocks the Political World
In a surprising turn of events, Nadine Lustre, one of the biggest names in Philippine entertainment, publicly endorsed ML Party-list and Leila de Lima.
On February 20, 2025, Lustre made her stance clear:
"I've always been vocal about the things I believe in. This is one of them. We need leaders who will stand up for the people, and I believe in ML Party-list."
Her endorsement has shaken up both the political and entertainment worlds. While many celebrities choose to stay silent on political issues, Lustre has always been outspoken—from environmental advocacy to mental health awareness. By backing ML Party-list, she is now mobilizing a new generation of young, engaged voters.
A New Direction for the Party-list System?
Both De Lima and Tañada acknowledge that the party-list system has been exploited by political dynasties and business interests. Instead of rejecting it, they see it as a way to restore its original purpose—giving genuine representation to marginalized sectors.
By choosing this path, ML Party-list is betting on a strong coalition of experienced leaders, grassroots advocates, and youth mobilization. Their success in the elections will determine whether this bold and unconventional strategy will reshape Congress.
Will This Strategy Pay Off?
With Leila de Lima’s resilience, Erin Tañada’s political experience, Teddy Baguilat’s advocacy, and Nadine Lustre’s influence, ML Party-list is one of the most talked-about groups in the 2025 elections.
As election day nears, the country is watching: Will ML Party-list redefine how representation in Congress works?
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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