Former Senator Kiko Pangilinan has pushed back against online claims that he has no accomplishments from his 18 years in the Senate. He emphasized that he authored and sponsored over 200 bills, many of which became law.
“Hindi totoo na wala tayong nagawa. Pag nakita ninyo yung 200 plus na mga batas na naipasa natin, bilang author, co-sponsor, sponsor, at pag nakita ‘yung mga programang naimplementa na natin at yung ating track record, yung resibo ay mas lalong makukumbinsi pa,” Pangilinan said during a campaign stop in Cebu.
Among the notable laws he authored or co-sponsored are:
- Sagip Saka Act, which requires national and local government units to buy products directly from farmers and fisherfolk for government programs;
- Student Fare Discount Act, granting students a 20% fare discount on public transportation while they are enrolled; and
- 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, extending paid maternity leave from 60 days to 105 days for normal deliveries, and from 78 to 105 days for cesarean births.
Now running for a fourth term in the 2025 elections, Pangilinan is focusing his campaign on food security. He is pushing for a Free Breakfast Program for all public school students from kindergarten to Grade 12—an initiative aimed at improving nutrition and supporting local farmers through government procurement of fresh produce.
“Ang pagkain, hindi dapat maging pribilehiyo, kundi isang karapatan. Prayoridad nating pababain ang presyo ng mga pagkain at handa tayong makipagtulungan kahit kanino,” he stated.
