Pangilinan mulls joining majority bloc to prioritize advocacy

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan confirmed that he is considering joining the Senate majority bloc, emphasizing that his decision-making is guided by principle, not partisanship.

“Naniniwala ako na ang pinakamalaking laban natin ay ang laban sa gutom, korupsyon, at kahirapan [I believe that our greatest battle is the fight against hunger, corruption, and poverty],” Pangilinan said in a statement on Thursday, July 10.

He addressed the “rumblings” sparked by reports that he and Senator Bam Aquino might support Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s bid to retain the chamber’s top post—an alignment that would place them with the majority bloc.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada earlier said Pangilinan and Aquino are likely to support Escudero. He said both have been offered their preferred committee chairmanships - education for Aquino, and agriculture for Pangilinan.

Pangilinan clarified that no final decision has been made, as he and Aquino are still in discussions with Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who campaigned strongly for them during the last elections.

“Critics say I will be ‘selling out to the enemy’ should I pursue a certain path. They are free to say what they wish,” Pangilinan said.

“I know who I am, I know what I stand for. My political track record is an open book,” he added.

He reiterated that from the start of his 2024 campaign, he had been open about working across party lines if it meant pursuing key advocacies.

“I did publicly express a willingness to work with all parties along principled boundaries to bring down high food prices and hunger,” Pangilinan said.

“I likewise said that I was willing to set aside partisan politics so both the legislative and executive branches can work together effectively to deliver solutions,” he added, referring to his statement during the filing of his certificate of candidacy in October 2024.

"In this regard, I believe what I ought to do, amidst all the chatter, the brickbats, is to focus on what I said I would do and simply walk the walk,” Pangilinan said.

When asked in June if he would join the minority bloc alongside Aquino and Hontiveros, Pangilinan said he did not want to preempt ongoing discussions. Aquino added that being part of the minority bloc does not automatically mean being in opposition, but simply refers to the group that did not vote for the winning Senate president.

“Pero siyempre, ‘yung magkakasama, magkasama pa rin, di ba? But right now, sa pag-uusap namin ni Senator Kiko, ‘yung mahalaga talaga, ’yung matupad ‘yung mga pangako namin,” Aquino said.

[Translation: But of course, those who are together will still be together, right? But right now, in my talks with Senator Kiko, what really matters is that we fulfill our promises.]