Pangilinan: No talks with Alyansa, our campaign remains independent

Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Liberal Party senatorial candidate and former Senator Francis ‘Kiko” Pangilinan denied that he is in talks with the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the slate backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Pangilinan said this in a statement on Wednesday in response to reports that Alyansa was in talks with him and his fellow senatorial candidate Bam Aquino, following the withdrawal of presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos from her brother’s slate.

“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.

“Hindi ito usapin ng partido o kulay. Handa tayo makipagtulungan sa lahat ng mga partido, Alyansa man o PDP (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino) o iba pang mga grupo sa ngalan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino na hindi na makabili ng sapat na pagkain dahil sa taas ng presyo,” he added.

(This is not about party or color. We are ready to work with all parties, whether that be Alyansa or PDP or other groups in the name of every Filipino family that cannot afford enough food because of high prices.)

READ: Alyansa campaign manager denies talks with Pangilinan-Aquino camp

Alyansa campaign manager and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco also denied the report, saying he had not met with Pangilinan and Aquino.