Ronnel Gondraneos Arambulo
Born on May 18, 1976, in Binangonan, Rizal, Ronnel Arambulo is a Filipino fisherman, environmentalist, and activist who currently serves as the vice chairperson of Pambasang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA, "National Force of Fisherfolk Movement in the Philippines"). Coming from a family of fishermen, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of his community. He began as a community organizer in 2007 and has been at the forefront of significant protest actions, including the 2021 coastal protest in Zambales commemorating the arbitration ruling on the South China Sea and demonstrations against Chinese militarization of the West Philippine Sea. He was also a former six-year councilor of Barangay Malakaban, Binangonan, Rizal.
Education
- University of Manila (Criminology, did not complete)
- University of Rizal System (Secondary Education major in Filipino, did not complete)
Career Highlights
- Vice Chairperson of PAMALAKAYA (National fisherfolk organization)
- Former Barangay Councilor of Malakaban, Binangonan, Rizal for six years
- Labor organizer for garment factory workers (2007)
- Led collective fishing expedition in Masinloc, Zambales to defy Beijing's unilateral fishing ban
- Organized fluvial protest actions to mark the arbitration ruling in the South China Sea
Key Platforms
Fisherfolk Rights and Welfare
Advocate for the rights and welfare of small fisherfolk, who are among the poorest sectors in the Philippines. Push for policies that would protect their livelihood and improve their economic conditions.
Marine Protection and Conservation
Fight against destructive projects that threaten coastal communities and advocate for environmental protection of the country's waters and marine resources. Oppose harmful reclamation projects that damage fishing grounds.
West Philippine Sea Sovereignty
Push for the removal of foreign military presence in Philippine waters, particularly opposing Chinese occupation and harassment of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea. Defend Philippine sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Anti-Reclamation Advocacy
Hold accountable those responsible for reclamation projects wreaking havoc in fishing grounds such as Manila Bay and Laguna Lake. Oppose projects like the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network that cause flooding and disturb fish habitats.
Food Security
Ensure food security for all Filipinos by protecting the country's waters from exploitation and maintaining sustainable fishing practices.
Track Record
Fisherfolk Organizing since 2008
Led grassroots campaigns to advance the rights and welfare of fisherfolk communities, organizing around Laguna Lake in areas such as Calamba and Muntinlupa.
Save Laguna Lake Movement
Relaunched the Save Laguna Lake Movement to oppose the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network project that causes flooding and environmental damage.
West Philippine Sea Protests
Led protest actions at the Chinese Consulate to denounce the Chinese government's blockade and harassment of Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.
Labor Rights Advocacy
Organized garment factory workers in Binangonan to protest against unfair labor practices, including delayed and unpaid wages, successfully securing payment for workers.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for economic reforms that would address the extreme poverty faced by fisherfolk, who are considered among the "poorest of the poor." Supports economic policies that prioritize people over profits and development projects. |
| Education | Supports education reform that makes quality education accessible to all Filipinos, especially those from marginalized sectors like the fisherfolk community. |
| Healthcare | Advocates for improved healthcare access for rural and coastal communities that often lack adequate medical facilities and services. |
| Environment | Strong advocate for environmental protection, opposing destructive projects like reclamation that harm marine ecosystems. Fights against pollution and advocates for sustainable management of water resources. |
| Labor | Advocates for workers' rights, having personally organized labor protests against unfair practices. Supports policies that protect workers from exploitation and ensure fair wages. |
| Agriculture | Supports policies that protect both fisherfolk and farmers as they face similar challenges in food production and land/water rights. |
| Governance | Calls for representation of marginalized sectors in government, particularly fisherfolk who have historically been underrepresented in policy-making. |
| Foreign Policy | Strongly opposes foreign military presence in Philippine waters, particularly Chinese occupation and US military presence in the West Philippine Sea. Advocates for an independent foreign policy that prioritizes Philippine sovereignty. |
| Charter Change | Aligned with Makabayan Coalition's position on charter change, which has historically been critical of amendments that may favor foreign interests over Filipino sovereignty. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Supports inclusive policies as part of the Makabayan Coalition's broader platform of social justice and equality. |
| Drug War | Likely critical of the previous administration's approach to the drug war, in line with Makabayan Coalition's stance against human rights violations. |
| Icc | Likely supports ICC investigation into human rights abuses, consistent with Makabayan Coalition's positions on accountability and justice. |
Sources & Citations
- https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/03/31/ronnel-arambulo-from-a-shy-fisherman-to-a-makabayan-senatorial-bet/
- https://phkule.org/article/1389/fisherman-ronnel-arambulo-braves-the-turbulent-tides-of-the-senate-race/
- https://www.altermidya.net/fisherfolk-ronnel-arambulo-announces-senate-bid-under-makabayan/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnel_Arambulo
- https://www.bulatlat.com/2024/08/19/ronnel-arambulo-is-set-to-sail-for-a-senate-run/
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025