Pangilinan, Aquino: No talks to join Alyansa senatorial slate
Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre Aquino (L) and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. | PHOTOS: Official Facebook pages of Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidates Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino on Thursday categorically denied that they met with the administration’s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign team after reelectionist Sen. Imee Marcos said she was formally withdrawing from the senatorial slate of her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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In separate statements, Pangilinan and Aquino, both Liberal Party stalwarts, said they were focused on their own campaigns and on finally breaking into the “Magic 12” circle two months before the May 12 elections.
“There have been no discussions between my camp and Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Our campaign remains independent and focused on our core advocacy—fighting high food prices and ensuring food security for every Filipino family,” Pangilinan said.
For his part, Aquino called the reports false, saying, “Let us just continue with our fun and meaningful people’s campaign that is now gaining momentum. We cannot afford to get distracted.”
A newspaper (not the Inquirer) had reported that the administration’s campaign team was considering replacing Imee and Rep. Camille Villar with Pangilinan and Aquino.
