Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has officially endorsed the candidacy of former Senator Kiko Pangilinan for the Senate in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.

In a Facebook post, Escudero shared a photo of himself with Pangilinan and Sorsogon Governor Jose Edwin Hamor, all of them flashing the “Kiko” hand sign in a show of support.

“We warmly welcomed former Senator Kiko Pangilinan to Sorsogon this weekend in the middle of his campaign here in the Bicol Region,” Escudero wrote. “His visit highlights his commitment to bringing his advocacies on food security, lowering the cost of goods, and supporting the welfare of the marginalized sectors in our society.”

Over the weekend, Pangilinan barnstormed the vote-rich Bicol Region, connecting with the local communities and discussing his advocacies. He shared his insights on how his landmark legislation, the Sagip Saka Act, has already positively impacted farmers and fisherfolk by providing support for them to increase their revenue and improve their livelihoods. Pangilinan emphasized the importance of supporting local agriculture, especially in times of rising food prices and supply chain disruptions.

Escudero, a native of Sorsogon and a proud Bicolano, expressed his hopes that Pangilinan would rejoin him in the Senate during the 20th Congress. The two worked together on various crucial bills during their previous time in the Senate, and Escudero spoke fondly of their collaboration.

“We talked about the important laws that we helped pass when we were together in the Senate. I am hopeful that our good work can continue if Sen. Kiko returns to the Senate,” he said. “Our partnership in legislating has always been about doing what is best for the Filipino people, especially in the areas of agriculture, food security, and support for the marginalized.”

Pangilinan, who is currently ranked 13th to 15th in major pre-election surveys, has maintained strong support in the Bicol Region. His performance in school-based surveys also places him among the top candidates. In 2022, Pangilinan garnered significant support in Bicol when he ran as vice president alongside former Vice President Leni Robredo. Pangilinan humorously referred to himself as the “vice president of Bicol” due to his close ties with the region.

His candidacy for the Senate is seen as an extension of his advocacy for farmers, fisherfolk and vulnerable sectors, with his Sagip Saka Act as a key focus of his future legislative work.