Pangilinan says it’s Robredo’s `prerogative’ to back Pacquiao, Abalos

Former Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said on Thursday, April 24, 2025, that former Vice President Leni Robredo has the `prerogative’ to endorse the senatorial bid of former Sen. Manny Pacquiao and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos. File Photo by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said former Vice President Leni Robredo has the `prerogative’ to endorse the senatorial bid of former Sen. Manny Pacquiao and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

“That’s her prerogative,” Pangilinan, who is running for senator under the Liberal Party, said of Robredo.

“What’s important is VP Leni has been helping us ever since,” Pangilinan added in a statement released by his camp to reporters on Thursday.

Robredo endorsed Pacquiao and Abalos on Wednesday, after the two administration senatorial candidates visited her in Naga City, where she is now running for mayor.

Pacquiao and Abalos are under the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was Robredo’s rival for the presidency in 2022. She lost to Marcos in 2022.

READ: Leni Robredo backs Senate bid of Manny Pacquiao, Benhur Abalos Jr.

Meanwhile, Pangilinan is running as a tandem alongside former Sen. Bam Aquino, who is the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino’s senatorial candidate.

Pangilinan was Robredo’s running mate in the 2022 presidential election, and Aquino served as their campaign manager.

READ: Robredo to supporters: Continue our fight in the midterm elections

Robredo endorsed both Pangilinan and Aquino when the campaign for the 2025 Senate race began last February.