Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s bid for a return to the Senate gained a significant boost on Friday following a formal endorsement from the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the official political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The endorsement ceremony took place at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, where Pangilinan was accompanied by his wife, Megastar Sharon Cuneta.
The MILF, which played a pivotal role in the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), expressed its support through its leadership, including MILF Chairman Ahod “Alhaj Murad” M. Ebrahim, MILF Vice Chairman Mohagher M. Iqbal, Shiek Ali B. Solaiman (Second Vice Chairman), Shiek Muslim M. Guiamaden (Wali of Bangsamoro), and Abdulrauf A. Macacua (BARMM Interim Chief Minister).
During the endorsement event, Pangilinan expressed his gratitude and highlighted the significance of continuing the peace efforts in Mindanao.
“We are thankful that we are here today. The Bangsamoro is a work in progress. We need to continue and sustain the initiatives of peace and the gains that we have achieved thus far. But the journey is far from over,” Pangilinan said.
The endorsement marks a continuation of Pangilinan’s long-standing support for the Bangsamoro peace process. He was a key figure in advising former President Benigno Aquino III on the deliberations surrounding the Bangsamoro Basic Law and voted in favor of the Bangsamoro Organic Act in the Senate. Pangilinan also served as part of the bicameral conference committee to ensure the legislation supported the principles of autonomy that the Bangsamoro people had fought for.
Sharon Cuneta, who joined Pangilinan in his visit, made her own mark by serenading the MILF Central Committee with her iconic hit “Kahit Konting Pagtingin,” further solidifying her connection to the region and its people. During his remarks, Iqbal, the MILF Vice Chairman, shared that he was a longtime fan of Cuneta, even confessing his admiration for her 1980s hit movie.
In addition to the MILF’s endorsement, Pangilinan has gained further momentum with the backing of Senator Joel Villanueva, a fellow former Cabinet member during the Aquino administration. Villanueva, known for his leadership in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), expressed strong support for Pangilinan’s return to the Senate, emphasizing the need for his expertise and thoroughness in legislative work.
“I’ve seen how he works. He’s very hardworking,” Villanueva said, recalling their past collaborations on important legislation, such as the Department of Migrant Workers Act and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. “The Senate needs his expertise to ensure that proposed measures are properly scrutinized,” he added.
Villanueva joins a growing list of senators endorsing Pangilinan, including Senate President Chiz Escudero, and Senators Win Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros.
Pangilinan expressed his gratitude for the continued support from his fellow lawmakers. “We look forward to working with them again in the next Congress,” he said, underscoring the collaborative spirit that has defined his career in public service.
The backing from both the MILF and key political figures marks a promising Senate comeback for Pangilinan, with a focus on continuing the peace process in Mindanao and advancing key legislative reforms.