Former senator Kiko Pangilinan dismissed claims online that he failed to deliver during his 18 years in the Senate, saying he had a solid legislative record to prove otherwise.
“Hindi totoo na wala tayong nagawa. Pag nakita ninyo yung 200 plus na mga batas na naipasa natin, bilang author, co-sponsor, sponsor… yung resibo ay mas lalong makukumbinsi pa,” he said in a GMA News Online report.
Pangilinan highlighted several key laws he authored or co-sponsored, such as the Sagip Saka Act, which empowers government agencies to directly purchase produce from farmers and fisherfolk, and the Student Fare Discount Act, granting enrolled students a 20-percent discount on public transportation. He also backed the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which extended paid maternity leave for working mothers.
Now eyeing a Senate comeback in 2025, Pangilinan is pushing for stronger food security programs and is proposing a Free Breakfast for all public school students from Kinder to Grade 12, a move he says would benefit both children and local farmers.
“Ang pagkain, hindi dapat maging pribilehiyo, kundi isang karapatan,” he emphasized. “Prayoridad nating pababain ang presyo ng mga pagkain at handa tayong makipagtulungan kahit kanino.”
Meanwhile, in Camarines Sur, former vice president Leni Robredo threw her support behind Senate hopeful Bam Aquino, urging voters to back candidates who would advocate for Bicolanos in the Senate.
“Pakiusap ko sa inyo, maglagay tayo ng mga siguradong kakampi ng mga taga-Bicol sa Senado kagaya ni Senador Bam Aquino,” Robredo said during a rally.
Aquino, who is also eyeing a Senate return, vowed to represent the needs of ordinary Filipinos, including farmers, students, and transport workers.
“Kapag tayo’y makabalik sa Senado, tayo ang magsisilbing boses ng mga walang boses,” he said, adding that he plans to strengthen the implementation of the Free College Law by securing additional subsidies for daily student expenses.
