Senatorial candidate Bam Aquino clarified on Tuesday, February 11, that his “Kiko-Bam” partnership with Kiko Pangilinan is an independent slate, not an opposition ticket. The statement marks a departure from previous election branding that linked them with the opposition.
Aquino addressed the matter when asked why they opted to distance themselves from the opposition label.
“I’ve always said we’re an independent slate. Palagay ko ‘yung pagbabansag ay mula sa media. Pero kami naman, klaro na independent ang aming pagtakbo. May dalawang malaking grupo na nag-uumpogan ngayon at kami naman po ni Senator Kiko, klaro na ang pinapanigan namin ‘yung taong bayan,” Aquino said in a Rappler report.
He emphasized that their tandem offers an alternative to the Marcos-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas and the Duterte-supported Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) Senate slate.
“But clearly, meron tayong administration slate. Meron rin tayong slate headed by [former] president Rodrigo Duterte. And ito pong independent slate. Para maganda po dito, may choice talaga ‘yung taong bayan natin. Marami silang pwedeng pagpilian,” he added.
The move to shed the opposition label is notable, given Aquino’s past role as campaign manager for former vice president Leni Robredo in her 2022 presidential bid and 2016 vice presidential victory. His political history is also tied to the long-standing Aquino-Marcos rivalry, which dates back to the assassination of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in 1983 and the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1986.
Meanwhile, Pangilinan, who lost to Sara Duterte in the 2022 vice presidential race, signaled a willingness to collaborate with the Marcos administration, particularly on lowering rice prices.
“Walang kulay ang gutom. Handa tayong isantabi ang pulitika at makipagtulungan sa pangulo at sa Department of Agriculture, upang pababain ang presyo ng bilihin,” he stated during the launch of their campaign.
The Kiko-Bam tandem began their campaign in Cavite, where they received an endorsement from Robredo. Their team aims to replicate the large grassroots gatherings seen in the 2022 elections through a “people’s campaign.”
A recent Pulse Asia survey conducted from January 18 to 25 indicates a competitive midterm race, with at least 14 of 66 Senate candidates having a statistical chance of securing a seat. Aquino and Pangilinan, however, remain outside the winning 12, ranking between 15th and 18th if elections were held during the survey period.
