MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan filed his COC on Friday, October 8. He is Vice President Leni Robredo’s running-mate for the upcoming national elections in May 2022.
Pangilinan’s announcement came after Robredo declared that she is running for president. Robredo joined Pangilinan at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza where Comelec set up a station for COC filing.
Pangilinan is the current Liberal Party president, replacing former President NoyNoy Aquino who died due to kidney failure. So unlike Robredo who decided to run independently, Pangilinan is running under LP.
This political leap may be a risk for Sen. Pangilinan. In a recent Pulse Asia survey, he amassed 26.8% for preferred senatorial candidates. He was among the 15 candidates who was statistically projected to win.
Together with Robredo, the two have expressed opposition to some of President Duterte’s key policies. This includes the notorious war on drugs, death penalty, and reclamation of the West Philippine Sea. He also led the campaign bid for Otso Diretso in the 2019 midterm elections.