It is a progressive coalition of different marginalized sectors in the Philippines founded on October 29, 1993.

Sanlakas won a seat in the lower house for the second time in 2001.

Sanlakas was also a petitioner in several cases in the Supreme Court of the Philippines against Philippine laws and policies they deem detrimental to the welfare of the Filipino people like the Oil Deregulation Law,[13] and the declaration of a State of Rebellion during the time of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

[14] Among the victims of the serial killings of political activists in the Philippines, during the Arroyo administration, are Sanlakas members like trade unionist Andrew Inoza,[15] peasant leader Frank Labial,[16] and revolutionary socialist Filemon Lagman.

Lagman, one of the founders[17] of Sanlakas, is considered as the first prominent victim of political assassination under the presidency of Gloria Arroyo.