Hunger transcends politics, Kiko tells Albay supporters
He condemned human trafficking syndicates following the rescue of 176 OFWs from Myanmar, many lured by illegal recruiters
Daily TribuneHe condemned human trafficking syndicates following the rescue of 176 OFWs from Myanmar, many lured by illegal recruiters
(FILE PHOTO) Former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan
LEGAZPI CITY — Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan rallied supporters across Albay this weekend while addressing urgent overseas Filipino worker (OFW) crises in Qatar and Myanmar, framing both issues as consequences of domestic economic instability.
The senatorial candidate, who won Albay decisively in the 2022 vice presidential race with 444,396 votes, launched his campaign with a town hall in Polangui highlighting his Sagip Saka Act and food security platform.
His motorcades through Ligao City and Daraga drew enthusiastic crowds, while closed-door meetings with Guinobatan Mayor Paul Chino Garcia and public market visits in Legazpi City emphasized local economic development.
Concurrently, Pangilinan demanded government action for two OFW emergencies. He pressed for immediate consular assistance for Filipinos detained in Doha, declaring “hunger knows no color” to underscore how it transcends politics.
Separately, he condemned human trafficking syndicates following the rescue of 176 OFWs from Myanmar, many lured by illegal recruiters. “When jobs pay fairly at home, no one risks exploitation abroad,” he told reporters.
The former senator proposed concrete measures including strengthened anti-trafficking enforcement through coordination among government agencies like the foreign affairs and migrant workers departments.
He also sought faster embassy response systems for distressed workers, and expanded agricultural programs to curb labor migration driven by food insecurity.
Pangilinan pushed reintegration initiatives for repatriated OFWs, citing his dual focus on grassroots campaigning and migrant worker advocacy.
“A Philippines where working abroad is a choice, is not a necessity” is a must, he said.
