Escudero backs Kiko Pangilinan's 2025 Senate bid

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has thrown his support behind the 2025 Senate comeback bid of Francis Pangilinan.

In a statement shared on his Facebook account, Escudero posted a photo with Pangilinan and Sorsogon Governor Jose Edwin Hamor where they are seen flashing the Kiko hand sign.

“Malugod nating tinanggap si dating Senador Kiko Pangilinan sa Sorsogon nitong weekend sa gitna ng kanyang pangangampanya sa Bicol region,” Escudero said.

(We warmly welcomed former Senator Pangilinan in Sorsogon this weekend during his campaign stop in Bicol region.)

“Napagkwentuhan namin ang mga makabuluhang batas na aming pinagtulungan maipasa noong nagkasama kami sa Senado. Umaasa ako na ang aming magandang samahan ay maipagpapatuloy kung si Senator Kiko ay papalaring makabalik sa Senado,” Escudero, who served as senator alongside Pangilinan from 2007 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2022, added.

(We talked about the important laws that we helped pass when we were together in the Senate. I am hopeful that our good work can continue if Senator Kiko will return to the Senate),” he added.

Escudero also earlier backed the Senate bid of Pangilinan's ally, former Senator Bam Aquino.

Pangilinan won in Sorsogon in the 2022 vice presidential race, but was beaten by a wide margin by eventual winner, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Pangilinan, who advocates for food security and affordable food, is knocking on the Top 12 winning circle in pre-election polls, ranking 13th to 15th.

Senate bets continue campaign

In a Facebook statement on Wednesday, lawyer Angelo de Alban reminded the public to maintain their temper on the road amid the increasing road rage incidents.

“Huwag mapanghusga lalo na sa mga persons with disabilities. Hindi natin alam ang buong pangyayari. Ugaliing makipag-kapwa kesa maunahan ng galit,” he said.

He also attended a forum on Children with Special Needs in Misamis Oriental.

Bunyog Pagkakaisa Party senatorial candidate David D’Angelo conducted a house-to-house campaign in La Forteza, Camarin, Caloocan City.

Candidates Tito Sotto, Manny Pacquiao, Bam Aquino, Norberto Gonzales, Ping Lacson, De Alban, Wilson Amad, and Dr. Richard Mata were named in the initial list of senatorial candidates endorsed by the Conservatives of the Philippines group.

 Meanwhile, Aquino said on Wednesday that the country’s oyster industry could thrive if provided with assistance from the government. 

Aquino said government support is needed by oyster growers especially during calamities.

“Maganda rin kung may support mula sa gobyerno. Iyong DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), dapat sila ang tumutulong sila sa mga nagne-negosyo na nagkaka-problema,” said Aquino following his visit to oyster growers in Barangay Dos in Ilog, Negros Occidental. 

(It would be better if there’s support from the government. The DTI should be the one helping businesses that are having problems.) 

Negros Occidental is one of the largest oyster producers in the country, according to Aquino. 

More jobs

Meanwhile, TRABAHO Party-list vowed to push for more reforms to create more stable and high-paying jobs in the country so that Filipinos do not need to go overseas.

 “The continued increase in remittances is a testament to the hard work and sacrifices of our fellow Filipinos working abroad. However, we must address the root causes of this migration trend. Our goal is to create more high-paying jobs here at home, ensuring that our workers will no longer need to leave their families to earn a living,” said TRABAHO Party-list spokesperson Atty. Mitchell-David Espiritu.

“We need to move away from the notion that working abroad is the only way to ensure a good life. By improving wages and offering competitive benefits here in the Philippines, we can retain our talents and help reduce the country’s reliance on remittances,” he added.

The party-list also expressed commitment to enhance labor laws, provide more protection for OFWs, and create programs that will help them reintegrate successfully into the local workforce once they return home.

“We value the contributions of OFWs to our economy, but we must not forget about those who choose to remain and build their futures here. By ensuring better local opportunities, we are strengthening the foundation of our country’s economic growth and providing a more secure future for Filipino families,” Espiritu said.— Llanesca T. Panti/Jiselle Anne Casucian/Mariel Celine Serquina/Vince Angelo Ferreras/RSJ, GMA Integrated News

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