Liza Maza – President — Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (MAKABAYAN Coalition), a political coalition of progressive parties in the Philippines advocating new politics.
Liza Largoza Maza is a respected political figure with decades of experience as a lawmaker, activist, and public servant. Her work has always centered around championing the rights of women, migrant workers, and the poor. Throughout her career, Maza has made significant contributions both in and out of the legislative halls, reflecting her steadfast commitment to social justice, women’s rights, and pro-people policies.
Liza Maza’s journey from San Pablo, Laguna, to becoming a committed activist, prominent lawmaker, and public servant is a story of courage and dedication to the struggles of the Filipino masses. She graduated with a degree of BS Business Economics at UP Diliman.
As a young activist, she witnessed the harsh realities of poverty in the slums of Tondo, which deepened her resolve to join the people’s movement. She then became a member of GABRIELA, a grassroots women’s organization, where she found her lifelong mission to serve the people.
Her commitment to advocating for women’s rights is deeply personal. While reflecting on her time as a leader of GABRIELA and the numerous survivors she handled, Maza recalled, “I know how these are unwanted acts and how a woman’s first reaction is just to freeze. I vowed then to fight for a society free from all forms of violence against women.” This personal determination led her to actively engage in women’s issues from the 1980s to the present day, shaping her life’s work.
Maza’s name, which aligns almost too perfectly with her activism, is indeed her actual married name. True to her surname, she has become a symbol for women who champion the rights and welfare of the masses.
Maza has remained deeply connected to the communities she serves, using creative and empowering campaigns to mobilize the masses. She has led the charge in the Purple Rose Campaign, an international movement against sex trafficking. Even before her years in Congress, Maza was already a fierce advocate for migrant workers, standing up for justice in high-profile cases of Flor Contemplacion and Lisa Mamac, and countless other migrant Filipinos seeking justice for their loved ones. In fact the campaign for justice for Flor Contemplacion that earned thousands of supporters opened the eyes of the Filipinos on the flight of OFWs, eventually pushing the Ramos government to enact the Magna Carta for Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act.
She integrated creative strategies into her activism, such as organizing the first GABRIELA Fashion Show to oppose machismo and corruption in government leading to the movement that ousted former President Ejercito Estrada. Her decades-long leadership in GABRIELA placed her at the forefront of national and international movements for women’s rights and empowerment.
As the first congresswoman of Gabriela Women’s Party from 2004 to 2010 and of Bayan Muna Party from 2001 to 2004, Liza Maza ensured that the voices and demands of the marginalized were heard in Congress. She authored 71 bills and 144 resolutions, focusing on issues that directly impact the most vulnerable sectors of society. Among her most notable legislative achievements are the breakthrough legislations that she authored or co-authored like the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, the Magna Carta of Women, and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. Throughout her time in Congress, Maza consistently fought for the poor, protected migrant workers, and challenged the policies that oppressed the masses.
Amidst the political repression of Gloria Arroyo’s regime, Liza Maza stood firm in the face of persecution, becoming the only woman among the ‘Batasan 6’—a group of lawmakers targeted for their opposition to Arroyo’s corrupt and anti-people policies. Fabricated cases were filed to silence her but all these cases were dismissed by the Supreme Court.
Her dedication to serving the poor and marginalized extended into the Executive branch during her tenure as Secretary and Lead Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) from 2016 to 2018. There, she spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that introduced the first comprehensive framework addressing the root causes of poverty—offering a bold alternative to bankrupt neoliberal poverty alleviation strategies. Under her leadership, the Kilos Sambayanan campaign was launched, focusing on fulfilling the 10 Basic Needs of the poor.
As a people’s diplomat, she has been a steadfast ally and advocate for democratic rights and self-determination of all peoples. As the former General Secretary and current prominent leader of the International League of Peoples’ Struggles, she championed the struggle of Palestine and democratic movements worldwide. As Chair Emerita of the International Women’s Alliance, she continues to fight for women’s rights and freedoms in international platforms. In 2015, she participated in the historic crossing of the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea by 30 high-profile women from 15 countries underscoring her dedication to peace and diplomacy.
Whether as a leader in GABRIELA, a legislator representing Gabriela Women’s Party and Bayan Muna pushing for laws that uplift the people, or standing strong in the face of threats as a political activist, Liza Maza’s dedication to the Filipino people has never wavered. Her journey is a testament to selfless service, showing that true freedom comes from fighting for the masses.
In her personal life, Maza is a devoted mother to two sons, Niko and AG. She raised them as fine young men with love for the country, instilling in them the value of treating everyone, especially women, with respect and dignity.
Liza Maza’s journey from a woman activist to a respected lawmaker, public servant, and people’s diplomat is marked by her unwavering dedication to the people. Her work continues to inspire those who fight for the rights of the marginalized, and a future of a better Philippines for Filipinos. #
Platform on Independent Foreign Policy and National Sovereignty
We stand firmly for national sovereignty and advocate for foreign relations founded on mutual respect and benefit. We oppose all forms of foreign domination and interference in the country’s internal affairs. We will review, amend, or terminate unequal agreements and treaties with the US, Japan, and other nations. We will promote unity among peoples to achieve justice, development, and peace worldwide. We are committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino workers abroad, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve, both within and outside our country.
1. Affirm the Philippine Constitutional Renunciation of War
Uphold the Philippine constitutional provision that renounces war as an instrument of national policy. Adhere to the principles of international law and promote a policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and friendship with all nations.
2. Build Fair and Equal Foreign Relations
Advocate for international relations grounded in mutual respect and benefit. Push for foreign policies that protect Philippine interests, ensuring the country is not subjected to unfair treatment or foreign control and influence.
3. Terminate Unequal Military Agreements
End agreements that compromise national sovereignty, such as the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), and Japan-Philippine Reciprocal Access Agreement.
4. Stop Joint Military Exercises
Work to halt joint military exercises, such as PH-US Balikatan, which escalate tensions in the region and infringe on the nation’s sovereignty.
Remove Foreign Troops from Philippine Soil
5. Advocate for the complete withdrawal of foreign troops from the Philippines.
The country must assert its sovereignty by disallowing any foreign military in the country and demanding accountability
6. Reject Nuclear Weapons Stockpiling and Proliferation
Reject the stockpiling and proliferation of nuclear weapons on Philippine soil. Uphold the Philippine Constitution, which adopts a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons, consistent with national interests.
7. Resolve Territorial Disputes Through Diplomacy
Prioritize peaceful, diplomatic avenues in resolving territorial disputes, avoiding military provocations. Assert the Philippines’ sovereign rights and call on China to respect the 2016 International Arbitral Tribunal ruling on the West Philippine Sea. Advocate for dialogue and non-militaristic negotiation to address maritime disputes, upholding the Philippines’ rightful claims through international law and mutual cooperation.
8. Reject Foreign Interference in Domestic Policies
Assert national sovereignty by rejecting foreign meddling in Philippine domestic affairs. Ensure that national policies are crafted and implemented in the best interest of the Filipino people, independent of foreign pressure.
9. Protect Filipino Migrants’ Rights and Welfare
Prioritize the protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by utilizing strong diplomatic channels to safeguard their rights. This includes ensuring transparent and fair working conditions, securing their rights to just wages, safe environments, and fair treatment abroad. Strengthen mechanisms for immediate assistance and support for OFWs in distress, providing them with legal, medical, and financial aid when needed.
10. International Solidarity
The Philippines must maintain a position of independence, cooperation and international solidarity with all countries in order to promote peace and development and avert or cope with economic and financial crises of global proportions and prevent wars of aggression.#
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