Kiko: Respond to campaign material sabotage with action, not retaliation

The camp of former senator and senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan raised concern over the reported removal and destruction of his campaign tarpaulins in several areas, calling for respect and fairness amid the ongoing election season.

Pangilinan appealed for civility in the campaign, urging both supporters and political rivals to maintain a clean and respectful environment.

“We understand that campaigns can get heated, but let’s stay fair and respectful. We don’t need to destroy other people’s materials just to show support for our candidates,” he said in Filipino.

According to his team, Pangilinan’s campaign runs on a limited budget and heavily relies on volunteers and supporters to spread his message of food security and affordable prices for basic goods. They expressed frustration over incidents where posters and tarpaulins were allegedly destroyed, wasting valuable resources meant to promote their advocacy.

“Our funds are limited, so every campaign material is important. It’s disheartening when these are destroyed instead of being used to share our message,” the team said.

While thanking Valenzuela City officials and Mayor Wes Gatchalian for facilitating a fair campaign process in the city, the team also cited reports from volunteers in other areas where tarpaulins of Pangilinan and fellow candidate Bam Aquino were removed or vandalized, while other candidates’ materials in the same areas were left untouched.

Despite the setbacks, Pangilinan’s team said they remain focused on the bigger goal — ensuring access to affordable food and a secure future for Filipinos. Pangilinan encouraged supporters to respond not with retaliation but with intensified efforts to spread their message.

“Hunger has no color. Solutions have no color. Let’s keep this fight clean, calm, and respectful. We will not respond to destruction with destruction. Our answer will be stronger action and greater dedication to spreading our message,” he said.

The campaign also called on local officials and authorities to uphold fairness during the election period and to take action against individuals who engage in underhanded tactics.