By Nimfa L. Estrellado Leni Robredo campaigns for independent Senate candidates Aquino and Pangilinan in Quezon Province. (Bam Aquino FB pag...
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| Leni Robredo campaigns for independent Senate candidates Aquino and Pangilinan in Quezon Province. (Bam Aquino FB page) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Tagged as one of the "Kakampink" provinces, in reference to Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Gerona Robredo 's campaign hue in 2022, Quezon voters gave her 609,431 votes as against the 442,063 votes of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who eventually won. On March 20, 2025, she brought her fervent appeal to Quezon Province, urging residents at the Quezon Convention Center to amplify their support for senatorial candidates Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, with 53 days remaining before the crucial midterm elections.
Robredo emphasized the necessity of electing “good people in the Senate,” highlighting the proven competence and public service records of Aquino and Pangilinan. “These two are always ready to sacrifice for the country. We should, too,” she declared to the enthusiastic crowd. She asked those who supported her in prior elections, to triple their efforts for Aquino and Pangilinan. The rally, filled with pink and green balloons and placards, resonated with the energy of a movement determined to ensure victory.
The former Vice President’s speech underscored the importance of not wasting the momentum built in previous elections. "Let us not waste what we started three years ago because we showed that when we raise our voices, even amid the challenges…we gather our strength because we are not just fighting for our candidates, but for our country,” Robredo stated, igniting a sense of collective purpose among the attendees.
In a powerful appeal to the Quezon residents, Robredo directly referenced her 2022 success in the province. "Hindi natapos ang laban natin noong 2022, dahil ang laban na ‘yun ay patuloy,” she said, emphasizing that the fight continues. She then asked for the same level of sacrifice and support for Aquino and Pangilinan, stating, “Ang aking pakiusap, sana kung ano ang insinakripisyo niyo nung laban natin nung 2022, ganoon pa rin sana yung handa nating ibigay ngayong 2025 for Kiko and Bam.”
Meanwhile, senatorial candidate and former Senator Bam Aquino used his platform to address the perceived divisions within the nation. “I know that at this time, our country is going through a lot. It seems as though our nation is being divided,” Aquino said in Filipino at the Lucena City rally.
He urged his base, particularly the youth, to “be the bridge” amid these divisions. “My request, especially to the youth here, is to be the one[s] to bridge the divide among our countrymen despite our differences in how we feel [and] how we view various things,” he added. While Aquino did not specify the exact nature of the divisions, his comments came amidst heightened political tension, notably following the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Expanding on his message of unity, Aquino also emphasized the shared aspirations of Filipinos, despite their differing viewpoints. He articulated, “Mga kaibigan, alam niyo po ang bigat ng nangyayari po sa ating bansa. Ito pong nakaraang linggo, napakatindi po ng mga pangyayari. Tila hinahati na naman po ang bansa natin. Kailangan po nating ipaalala sa mga kababayan natin na kahit magkakaiba ang pananaw natin sa maraming bagay, meron pa rin po tayong pagkakaparehas.”
He specifically stated that the common ground that all Filipinos share, is the desire for an honest and effective government. He stressed, “Ayaw po natin ng isang gobyernong mapang-abuso, ayaw po natin ng mga lingkod-bayan na nagnanakaw. Ang gusto po natin isang gobyernong tapat, angat buhay lahat.”
Aquino further called on his supporters to actively reach out to those who were still undecided, and to help them understand the importance of electing himself, and Kiko Pangilinan. “Dahil si Ginang Leni po nung tumakbo, tumakbo po siya bilang presidente ng lahat ng Pilipino. At ako po, si Senator Bam Aquino, tumatakbong senador ng Pilipinas, tumatakbo ng senador ng lahat ng Pilipino,” Aquino added, reinforcing his and Robredo’s commitment to serving all Filipinos.
He also said “Gusto po natin ang mga kabataan natin naaabot ang kanilang pangarap, at nais ko pong sabihin mahalaga ang katotohanan, mahalaga ang hustisya pero mahalaga rin po na ipaalala natin na lahat tayo ay Pilipino, bawat isa po sa atin dito, kailangan po magreach out, hindi lang po sa mga kasama natin noong nakaraang kampanya, magreach out po tayo sa lahat ng Pilipino.”
Robredo herself, during her address, reinforced the importance of unity and continued action. She also made a point to remind those in attendance of the importance of the character of the candidates. "Let us not waste what we started three years ago because we showed that when we raise our voices, even amid the challenges…we gather our strength because we are not just fighting for our candidates, but for our country," Robredo stated.
She also said, “we need good people in the Senate.” She continued by saying, "These two are always ready to sacrifice for the country. We should, too." This sentiment echoed her broader message of civic engagement and the need for Filipinos to actively participate in shaping their nation's future.
According to Kiko Pangilinan, represented by his brother John, during the rally, Pangilinan reiterated his longstanding commitment to the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the Philippine economy. “We need to protect our farmers, and ensure food security for all Filipinos,” Pangilinan emphasized, highlighting his dedication to policies that bolster local farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
He further articulated his stance on good governance, stating, “Kailangan natin ng malinis na pamahalaan, na hindi nagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan.” Pangilinan stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, vowing to fight against corruption and ensure that government resources are directed towards the most vulnerable sectors of society. He also spoke about his commitment to the youth sector, and how they are the future of the nation.
It should be noted that both Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, and Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan are running as independent candidates for the senate for the 2025 mid term elections. They have joined to form the KiBam campaign. Their campaign has emphasized their dedication to good governance, and aims to unify people. Both men come from the Liberal party, and have a long history of public service. The focus of their campaign, is to be a bridge across political divides, and serve the filipino people.
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