Liza Largoza Maza
Liza Largoza Maza was born on September 8, 1957, in San Pablo, Laguna. She has established herself as one of the Philippines' most prominent women's rights advocates and social justice activists. Her extensive political career includes serving as a Representative in the Philippine House of Representatives, first representing Bayan Muna from 2001 to 2004, and later the Gabriela Women's Party from 2004 to 2010. Under the Duterte administration, she served as the Lead Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission from August 2016 until her resignation in August 2018. Throughout her career, Maza has been deeply involved in grassroots activism, particularly focusing on women's issues, poverty alleviation, and social justice. She is the Chair Emerita of GABRIELA Women's Alliance and the International Women's Alliance, organizations dedicated to advancing women's rights and welfare. In December 2024, Maza was among those who filed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte for alleged misuse of confidential funds. The 2025 elections mark her second attempt at a Senate seat, having previously run in 2010 under the Makabayan Coalition but failing to secure a position.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Economics
Career Highlights
- Representative, Gabriela Women's Party (2004-2010)
- Representative, Bayan Muna Party-list (2001-2004)
- Lead Convenor, National Anti-Poverty Commission (2016-2018)
- Chair Emerita, GABRIELA Women's Alliance
- Chair Emerita, International Women's Alliance
- Co-Chair, Makabayan Coalition
Key Platforms
Women's Rights and Gender Equality
Championing comprehensive legislation to protect and advance women's rights, building on her work as co-author of the Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act and the Magna Carta of Women. Pushes for strengthened implementation of existing gender equality laws and new measures to address persistent issues including gender-based violence, discrimination, and reproductive health rights.
National Industrialization Program
Advocating for a comprehensive national industrialization strategy to develop the Philippines' manufacturing sector and vital industries, reducing dependence on imports and foreign capital. Supports policies to protect and develop local industries, create stable jobs, and build a self-reliant economic foundation.
Poverty Reduction and Social Protection
Promoting alternative frameworks to address poverty beyond neoliberal economic policies, focusing on the 'Kilos Sambayanan' campaign that addresses the ten basic needs of impoverished communities. Advocates for comprehensive social protection systems, including universal healthcare, housing, and food security measures.
Labor Rights and Anti-Contractualization
Pushing for stronger labor protections, including the elimination of contractualization, implementation of living wages, and support for workers' right to organize. Emphasizes the need for secure, stable employment with benefits and protections as essential to addressing economic inequality.
Sovereign Foreign Policy
Advocating for an independent foreign policy that prioritizes Philippine sovereignty and national interests. Opposes unequal foreign military agreements, including enhanced defense cooperation with the United States, and challenges what she considers excessive foreign intervention in Philippine affairs, particularly regarding territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for economic policies that prioritize the welfare of marginalized sectors over corporate interests. Opposes neoliberal economic frameworks and promotes national industrialization, genuine agrarian reform, and development of local industries to reduce foreign economic dependence. |
| Education | Supports accessible quality education for all Filipinos, particularly those from marginalized communities. Advocates for increased education funding, protection of academic freedom, and integration of gender-sensitive curricula. |
| Healthcare | Promotes universal healthcare access and improved public health services, especially for women and children. Supports comprehensive reproductive health services and the strengthening of public healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved areas. |
| Environment | Views environmental protection through a social justice lens, advocating for sustainable development that benefits communities rather than corporations. Opposes destructive mining practices and supports indigenous communities' rights to their ancestral domains. |
| Labor | Strongly advocates for workers' rights, including security of tenure, living wages, and the right to organize. Opposes contractualization and pushes for stronger protections against labor exploitation. |
| Agriculture | Supports genuine agrarian reform that redistributes land to farmers and provides necessary support services. Advocates for food sovereignty and the development of sustainable agricultural practices that benefit small-scale farmers. |
| Governance | Promotes transparent, accountable governance that prioritizes the needs of ordinary citizens over elite interests. Advocates for meaningful participation of marginalized sectors in governance and decision-making processes. |
| Foreign Policy | Advocates for an independent foreign policy that asserts Philippine sovereignty. Opposes unequal military agreements with the United States, including the establishment of foreign military bases in the Philippines. Critical of what she perceives as excessive American involvement in Philippine affairs, particularly in Mindanao. |
| Charter Change | Cautious about constitutional amendments that might favor foreign economic interests or consolidate power among political elites. Supports constitutional provisions that strengthen social justice, economic sovereignty, and genuine democratic representation. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Supports the protection of LGBTQIA+ rights as part of her broader human rights advocacy, including the passage of anti-discrimination legislation. |
| Drug War | Critical of the violent implementation of the war on drugs, advocating instead for addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of social services. Supports a public health approach to drug issues rather than a purely punitive approach. |
| Icc | Likely supports international accountability mechanisms for human rights violations, though specific statements about the ICC investigation are not prominently featured in her public remarks. |
Sources & Citations
- Wikipedia - 'Liza Maza'
- RAPPLER - 'Liza Maza profile'
- Inquirer.net - 'Candidate profile: Liza Maza' (2025 Elections)
- Altermidya - 'Liza Maza, women's rights advocate and former lawmaker, declares senatorial bid'
- Inquirer.net - 'Liza Maza guns for Senate seat anew to protest rotten politics'
- RAPPLER - 'Makabayan's Liza Maza is new anti-poverty chief'
- Kodao Productions - 'Women's rights champion Liza Maza is Makabayan's 4th Senate bet'
- Philstar.com - 'Liza Maza resigns from National Anti-Poverty Commission'
- Gabriela Women's Party - 'Rep. Liza Maza'
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
