Keeping their independent hats on, senatorial candidates Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino on Thursday, March 27, denied reports that they are in negotiation to join the administration’s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial lineup for the May 2025 midterm polls.
(Photo from Team Kiko Pangilinan)
“There have been no discussions between my camp and Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Our campaign remains independent and focused on our core advocacy—fighting high food prices and ensuring food security for every Filipino family,” the former senator said in a statement.
Alyansa campaign manager and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco also denied reports saying that they are in talks with Pangilinan and former senator Bam Aquino for their possible inclusion in the administration’s senatorial slate.
Pangilinan insisted that although he welcomes broad-based support for his advocacies, his campaign is focused on addressing food security challenges and the rising prices of goods.
“Sa atin, ang laban ay laban para sa pagkain sa murang presyo. Hindi ito usapin ng partido o kulay (For us, the fight is for lower prices of goods. This is not about [political] parties or color),” he said.
“Handa tayo makipagtulungan sa lahat ng mga partido, Alyansa man o PDP o iba pang mga grupo sa ngalan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino na hindi na makabili ng sapat na pagkain dahil sa taas ng presyo (We are ready to work together with all parties, may it be Alyansa or PDP or other groups in the name of every Filipino family unable to buy enough food because of the high cost),” he added.
In a post on X, Aquino also said there is no truth they are in talks with President Marcos' Alyansa over a possible inclusion in its senatorial slate.
(Photo from Bam Aquino Media Bureau)
"Hindi po totoo iyan. Ituloy lang natin ang masaya at makabuluhang people's campaign na patuloy na lumalakas at dumarami (That's not true. Let's just continue our happy and meaningful people's campaign that's continuously becoming stronger and increasing)," he said.
"Huwag po tayong ma-distract lalo pa't tuluy-tuloy ang ating kampanyang nakatuon sa kung ano ang mahalaga sa pamilyang Pilipino (We should not be distracted especially our campaign that continues to focus on what's important for Filipino families)," Aquino added.
Reports of Pangilinan’s and Aquino’s alleged talks with Alyansa came after presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos left the administration’s lineup, citing a misalignment with her ideals and principles because of the administration’s stand regarding former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In both Cavite and Laguna sorties, President Marcos did not mention his sister in his endorsement speech.
Latest surveys showed Alyansa’s senatorial bets dominating the Magic 12, while both Pangilinan and Aquino remain outside the coveted ranking.