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Pangilinan: Endorsing Pacquaio, Abalos was Robredo's prerogative

Philippines | National

Pangilinan: Endorsing Pacquaio, Abalos was Robredo's prerogative

Former vice president Leni Robredo’s endorsement of former senator Manny Pacquiao and former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos was her “prerogative,” senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan said on Thursday, April 24.

Former vice president Leni Robredo and former senator Kiko Pangilinan in Naga City (Team Kiko Pangilinan)

“That’s her prerogative. What’s important is VP Leni has been helping us ever since,” he responded to questions about his former runningmate’s new endorsements.

News of the endorsements shook Pangilinan’s and his fellow senatorial candidate Bam Aquino’s base support groups, with many confused as to why Robredo would back President Marcos’ bets for the Senate.

This as both former senators continue to struggle along the margins of the Magic 12 less than three weeks before Election Day.

Both Pacquiao and Abalos are possible contenders for the two last seats in the senatorial elections next month.

In a video circulating on social media, Robredo was heard asking for support for Abalos, whom she said has helped her hometown of Naga City, especially during Typhoon Kristine.

Photos also showed Robredo campaigning separately with Pacquiao.

Pangilinan was her running mate when she ran for president and lost against Marcos, while Aquino was her campaign manager both in 2016 when she ran as vice president and in 2022.

Robredo has been campaigning for the comeback bids of the Pangilinan-Aquino duo. She was present during their campaign kick-off rally in Dasmariñas City, Cavite in February and also attended rallies in Negros and Iloilo provinces.

Related Tags

endorsement prerogative Leni Robredo Matalinong boto 2025 Kiko Pangilinan

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