Bayan Muna Slams ‘Bayad Muna’ Posters in Iloilo

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

Bayan Muna Panay denounced a new wave of derogatory posters targeting the party-list during Holy Week, ahead of the 2025 elections.

In a statement on Black Saturday, April 19, the group said the altered “Bayad Muna” posters were seen on Maundy Thursday, April 17, in various areas of Jaro district in Iloilo City.

The posters mimicked Bayan Muna’s campaign materials but replaced the party’s name with a satirical variation implying bribery or corruption.

Irma Espinas-Espinosa, Bayan Muna’s 7th nominee, condemned the incident and cited the party’s legislative record since it began fielding candidates in 2001.

“Even during Holy Week, when the faithful are called to reflect on their sins, the perpetrators of this black propaganda have shown no remorse,” Espinosa said.

“Instead, they have chosen to blaspheme Bayan Muna, a party-list that has consistently stood with the poor and the oppressed.”

She said the group has long endured attacks—from fake posters to red-tagging, harassment, and community militarization.

“These attacks only prove that we are on the right side of history,” she added.

“The powers that be are afraid of what Bayan Muna represents: the strength of a people fighting for genuine change.”

“We will not be silenced. We will not cower. We will emerge stronger, as worsening crises only make our cause more urgent—and our connection with the people even deeper.”

Bayan Muna, part of the Makabayan bloc, said similar attacks have escalated both online and offline since the start of the national campaign period in February.

They said the altered posters were spotted in public areas, including plazas, malls, and even outside private villages and subdivisions.

The group believes the materials may be linked to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, which it has repeatedly called to abolish.

On February 24, they filed a formal complaint with the Commission on Elections.

The Commission has criminalized red-tagging as an election offense under Resolution No. 11116.

This resolution enforces Section 13 of Republic Act No. 9006, or the Fair Election Act, and Section 261(e) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, or the Omnibus Election Code.

Section 264 of B.P. 881 penalizes election offenses with imprisonment of one to six years, disqualification from public office, and loss of voting rights.