By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
As the once-unified Marcos-Duterte electoral alliance crumbles, senatorial candidates Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre Aquino IV and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan see an opportunity to secure Senate seats in the 2025 midterm elections.
The independent candidates are positioning themselves as alternatives to the current administration, which they say has become deeply divided.
“As the Filipino people witness their leaders clashing, I’d like to think they are happy to see candidates who are standing with them and for them,” Aquino said in a press conference in Iloilo City on March 6.
Aquino believes the political rift between the two families presents a chance for independent candidates to push for governance focused on public welfare.
Since the start of the campaign, he said their efforts have centered on employment, education, inflation, and healthcare—issues that directly affect Filipinos.
“Many of our countrymen are tired of political conflicts. What they seek are results, solutions, and assistance. I’d like to think that our message—focusing on the needs of Filipinos—is resonating,” he said.
Aquino admitted that their campaign lacks the political machinery of their rivals, but he remains optimistic, citing a strong volunteer-driven movement.
“This is not going to be as difficult as 2022 […] I think 2022 was harder. In 2025, people are more free to vote,” he said.
Pangilinan noted that the 2022 elections were dominated by a unified Marcos-Duterte ticket, which secured solid support in Luzon and Mindanao.
With the two factions now at odds, the electoral landscape has shifted, giving opposition candidates a stronger chance across the country’s three major regions.
“Today, there’s a political quarrel. The ‘Unity’ has fractured. That gives us an opening of one-third each for all three major islands,” he said.
He also believes Filipinos have become more vigilant against misinformation on social media.
‘CAMPAIGN FOR US’
Despite their optimism, Aquino and Pangilinan acknowledged the need to intensify their campaign efforts, as they continue to rank low in election surveys.
Aquino urged supporters and volunteers to actively campaign for them, stressing that grassroots mobilization is key to improving their survey standings.
“Voting alone is not enough. We need to take action, to reach out. We believe that when people move, the surveys will move as well,” he said.
Pangilinan, meanwhile, believes their advocacies have yet to fully reach voters at the grassroots level.
He vowed to address rising food prices and inflation by pushing for effective government action to lower rice prices.
Aquino, on the other hand, committed to strengthening education reforms and ensuring employment opportunities for graduates.
A February 2025 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that 90% of Filipino voters will support candidates who advocate for food security and healthcare system improvements.
Pangilinan stressed that his food security and agriculture advocacy aligns with voter concerns but requires stronger outreach to counter disinformation and limited campaign resources.
“Many of our fellow Filipinos are unaware of our platform due to misinformation, fake news, and our limited resources to bring our message […] We just have to bring that message to gain support as the campaign unfolds,” he said.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon formally endorsed Aquino and Pangilinan, citing their strong track records and their ability to continue the economic progress he brought to Iloilo.
“I was in the Senate for 24 years. If there are people qualified to be in the Senate, it is Kiko and Bam. I have worked with the two of them,” Drilon said.
Senator Risa Hontiveros also urged Iloilo voters to support Aquino and Pangilinan, emphasizing the need for more allies in the Senate.
“If we are together in the Senate again, we can achieve the real change we hope for the Philippines,” she said.
