VARIOUS groups in Mindanao have expressed strong support for the senatorial bids of former Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, or “CheKiBam” in the 2025 midterm elections.
The groups declared their backing on Monday during the launch of PADAYON Mindanao at the New Dawn Hotel Ballroom in Cagayan de Oro City.
Pangilinan, Aquino and Diokno will run under Liberal Party, Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino and Akbayan Party, respectively.
“Taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong suporta sa aming kandidatura. Napakalaking bagay ng inyong tulong, lalo’t hindi sapat ang aming makinarya sa pangangampanya,” Pangilinan said.
The veteran lawmaker, who also worked as food security czar from June 2014 to September 2015 during the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, reaffirmed his commitment to work for the welfare of farmers and fishermen.
During his tenure, Pangilinan successfully reduced rice prices and lowered rice inflation from 15 percent to 0.8 percent in just one year.
Aquino, for his part, promised to strengthen the free college law, which he passed during his term, by ensuring graduates have access to employment opportunities.
“Ikakabit natin ang isinulong nating batas sa libreng kolehiyo sa siguradong trabaho na may makataong sahod at akma sa kanilangkakayahan at napag-aralan para makumpleto ang ating tulong sa kanila,” Aquino explained.
In addition, Diokno stressed that he will continue to uphold and protect the welfare of every Filipino and combat corruption and abuse of power by authorities.
