Former Senator Kiko Pangilinan has pledged to tackle the pressing issue of high food prices should he regain a Senate seat in the 2025 elections.
Speaking during an interview on ABS-CBN’s Harapan 2025, Pangilinan emphasized the need for systemic reforms similar to those he implemented as food security secretary during the Aquino administration from June 2014 to September 2015.
“Nilabanan natin itong mga nagsasamantala, tiniyak natin ang sapat na supply ng bigas ay nasa merkado, umaabot sa ating mga kababayan, at napababa ang presyo ng bigas (We fought against the exploitative, we ensured that there was sufficient rice supply in the market reaching our people, and lowered the price of rice),” Pangilinan said.
The senatorial candidate recalled how he successfully reduced rice prices by up to ₱3 per kilo during his tenure, achieving this through measures that cut rice inflation from 15% to 0.8% in just one year. These interventions also resulted in the lowest nationwide inflation rate in two decades.
“It can be done. We’ve done it before. Nilabanan natin ang smuggler, nilabanan natin ang hoarder, sinampahan natin ng kaso, sinuspinde natin ang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na nakikipagsabwatan (We fought the smuggler, the hoarder, and filed cases against them. We suspended colluding government officials),” he added.
If elected, Pangilinan said he is ready to work closely with the Marcos administration to reduce food prices and address the broader challenges of poverty.
“Unang-una, walang kulay ang gutom, walang kulay ang kahirapan. Simple lang ang hinihingi ng ating mga kababayan, magkaroon ng abot-kamay na pagkain. Isasantabi natin lahat ng pulitika para magkaroon ng solusyon ang gutom (First of all, hunger does not have a color, poverty does not have a color. Our people only ask one thing, to make food accessible. Let’s all set aside politics so that we can solve the problem of hunger),” he said.
Banking on a proven track record
Pangilinan is also leveraging his clean track record and legislative achievements as he seeks a fourth term in the Senate.
“Ni minsan, hindi tayo nasangkot sa anumang kaso ng anomalya. Kung nais natin na talagang ang gobyerno ay magserbisyo nang tapat at totoo at mapunta iyong biyaya sa ating mga kababayan, dapat tapat at totoo at may track record at may resibo (Not once was I involved in any case of anomaly. If we really want a government that serves honestly and that the blessings go to our people, candidates should have integrity, should have a track record, should have proof),” Pangilinan said.
He also highlighted his legislative accomplishments and his commitment to passing laws that benefit the public without engaging in corruption.
“Pangalawa, meron tayong kakayahan, napatunayan na natin, may resibo tayo. We were able to pass a lot of laws na nagbe-benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan na hindi kailangang maging kurakot (Secondly, we have proven ability. We have evidence. We were able to pass a lot of laws that benefit our people without corruption),” he said.
With his sights set on the Senate, Pangilinan remains steadfast in his mission to ensure that affordable food becomes a reality for every Filipino household. His message is clear: effective governance and a commitment to integrity can pave the way to alleviating hunger and poverty.
