Kiko Pangilinan, Leila de Lima take on Liberal Party leadership roles

The Partido Liberal ng Pilipinas (LP) announced the designation of new officials during its National Executive Council and Officers (NECO) meeting on Friday.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan was named party chair emeritus.

In his speech, Pangilinan emphasized the LP’s identity as an anti-political dynasty, anti-authoritarian, and pro-democracy party.

He also turned his attention to the 2028 elections, calling for a stronger organization and expressing confidence that the party could win in the upcoming electoral contests.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasanib-puwersa ng pinakamalawak na hanay sa pagkilos, ang halalan 2028, tulad ng halalan 2025, at hihigit pa—atin ang 2028. Nasa ating mga kamay, nasa ating nagkakaisang mga kamay, para ipanalo ito,” he said.

(Through the combined efforts of the broadest possible coalition, the 2028 elections—like the 2025 elections and beyond—are ours. It is in our hands, in our united hands, to win.)

“Kahit hindi uso, lumaban tayo para sa katotohanan at para sa karapatang pantao. Hindi tayo umatras. Hindi tayo nagpapasailalim sa banta sa dignidad, banta sa buhay, at banta sa kalayaan,” he said.

(Even if it is not the trend, we fought for truth and human rights. We did not back down. We did not submit to threats to dignity, life, and freedom.)

Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima was designated party chairperson, and human rights lawyer Erin Tañada was named party president.

Albay Rep. Krisel Lagman was named party executive vice president, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali was named party treasurer, and former Quezon City Rep. Kit Belmonte was designated party secretary-general.

Pangilinan also reminded the LP members of the party’s long-standing role in fighting authoritarian rule, saying:

“Lumaban ang Partidong Liberal sa malupit na diktadura. Lumaban para sa kalayaang pumili ng mga pinuno ng bayan. Hindi tayo nagpapasailalim sa mga hamon ng panahon,” he added.

(The Liberal Party fought brutal dictatorship. It fought for the freedom to choose the nation’s leaders. We did not submit to the challenges of the times.)—MCG, GMA Integrated News