Danilo Hernandez Ramos
Danilo 'Ka Daning' Hernandez Ramos, born September 27, 1956, is a lifelong farmer, peasant activist, and the current chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), the largest farmers' association in the Philippines. Born to a family of tenant farmers in Malolos, Bulacan, he was forced to stop his education after grade 6 to help his family earn a living. He became a full-time farmer in his teens, planting rice, mongo, and vegetables. His activism began in the 1980s during the Marcos Sr. dictatorship, when he joined protests against the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and later organized fellow poor farmers. He survived the 1987 Mendiola Massacre, where 13 farmers were killed during a protest for land reform. Throughout his career, he has been a vocal advocate for genuine agrarian reform, food sovereignty, and the rights of Filipino farmers. He has opposed various iterations of failed agrarian reform laws under multiple administrations and has been a prominent critic of the Rice Tariffication Law. As a senatorial candidate for the 2025 elections under the Makabayan coalition, he aims to be the first genuine small farmer to serve in the Philippine Senate.
Education
- Elementary education (completed Grade 6)
Career Highlights
- Chairperson, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) (current)
- Secretary-General, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (1993)
- Secretary-General, Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (1989-1993)
- Spokesperson, Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (1988)
- Secretary-General, Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Bulacan (1983)
- Catechism teacher, Kristiyanong Kapatiran sa Komunidad in Malolos' Sta. Isabel Parish
- Lifelong farmer in Malolos, Bulacan
Key Platforms
Genuine Agrarian Reform
Advocating for true land reform that breaks land monopolies and distributes land to landless farmers, ensuring farmers' control over agricultural lands.
Food Sovereignty and Security
Pushing for policies that prioritize local food production, self-sufficiency particularly in rice production, and protection of Filipino farmers from harmful import liberalization.
Rice Industry Development
Opposing the Rice Tariffication Law and advocating for the Rice Industry Development Act (RIDA) to strengthen the local rice industry and protect farmers from unfair competition from imports.
Support for Small Farmers
Championing increased subsidies, affordable credit, and technical support for small farmers to improve their productivity and income.
End to Political Dynasties
Fighting the dominance of political dynasties in Philippine politics and giving voice to marginalized sectors, particularly farmers who make up a significant portion of the population.
Track Record
Advocacy Against Rice Tariffication
Consistently opposed the Rice Tariffication Law (RA 11203), highlighting how it led to heavy income losses for rice farmers amounting to over P200 billion in three years.
Development of Alternative Bills
Contributed to crafting the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill and advocated for the Rice Industry Development Act (RIDA) as alternatives to harmful import liberalization policies.
Legal Challenges to Harmful Laws
Joined petitions against the Anti-Terrorism Law and previous Human Security Act before the Supreme Court to protect farmers' rights to organize and advocate.
Survivor and Witness to the Mendiola Massacre
Survived the 1987 Mendiola Massacre and continues to fight for justice for the 13 farmers killed during peaceful protests for land reform.
Grassroots Organizing
Decades of experience organizing farmers at local, regional, and national levels, building a strong network of farmer advocates across the Philippines.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for an economy that prioritizes the welfare of farmers, workers, and marginalized sectors. Opposes neoliberal economic policies that favor large corporations and foreign interests at the expense of small producers. |
| Education | Supports increased access to education for children of farmers and rural communities. Advocates for educational content that reflects the realities and needs of rural areas. |
| Healthcare | Pushes for improved healthcare services in rural areas and comprehensive health insurance for farmers and agricultural workers. |
| Environment | Promotes sustainable farming practices and opposes environmentally destructive projects that affect farmlands and rural communities. |
| Labor | Supports the rights of agricultural workers to fair wages, safe working conditions, and collective bargaining. Advocates for social protection for all types of agricultural labor. |
| Agriculture | His primary advocacy centers on genuine agricultural development through land reform, increased production subsidies, protection from unfair imports, and policies that prioritize food sovereignty over export-oriented agriculture. |
| Governance | Criticizes political dynasties and elite control of government. Advocates for greater representation of farmers and other marginalized sectors in governance. |
| Foreign Policy | Opposes trade agreements that harm local agricultural production. Takes a nationalist stance on protecting Filipino farmers from unfair foreign competition. |
| Charter Change | Has opposed previous charter change attempts that sought to allow foreign ownership of land, viewing them as threats to farmers' rights and food sovereignty. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Has not made specific public statements on LGBTQIA+ rights in his campaign. |
| Drug War | Critical of human rights violations under the drug war, advocating instead for addressing root causes of drug problems like poverty and lack of opportunities. |
| Icc | Supports accountability for human rights violations, though has not made specific statements about ICC investigations in his campaign. |
Sources & Citations
- https://www.bulatlat.com/2024/08/23/long-time-farmer-leader-danilo-ramos-announces-senate-bid/
- https://www.rappler.com/people/p70813894-danilo-ramos/
- https://www.altermidya.net/farmer-leader-daning-ramos-announces-senate-candidacy/
- https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1975788/farmers-group-leader-announces-senatorial-bid-pushes-for-agricultural-reform
- https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/01/20/genuine-agrarian-reform-rice-industry-development-as-alternatives-to-tariffication/
- https://kodao.org/farmers-tell-villar-be-sincere-and-repeal-rice-tarrification-law/
- https://mb.com.ph/2021/10/17/undo-dutertes-food-import-reliance
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
