Even without the billions of pesos in political machinery, former senator and senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan stood before a crowd of Bulaceños at the Malolos City Hall Amphitheater on Tuesday, inviting them to prove that his principles and track record make him deserving of another Senate term.

“I am here now, humbly asking for your support… Let’s prove together that our principles and stand can stand up against the billions of pesos of our competitors,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Pangilinan, who had visited the municipalities of Bocaue, Malolos, and Sta. Maria, held a mini campaign rally in Malolos to share his plans should he return to the Senate.

Pangilinan expressed that, if given the chance, he would advocate once more for the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act to protect the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk and help reduce the rising cost of food.

He also introduced his proposed “Libreng Almusal” program, targeting students from kinder to senior high school in public schools to address the country’s high dropout rates and widening learning gaps.

“With my free breakfast program for kinder to Grade 12, we’ll use up to half of the school feeding budget to buy directly from our farmers and fishermen. The food will be fresh and nutritious,” he said.

The Sagip Saka Act is a testament to Pangilinan’s commitment to a 2016 campaign promise and became law in 2019.

For Pangilinan, his principles and public service track record are his only armors in his fight for a Senate seat, lamenting that his political opponents have already spent billions on their campaigns.

“I can’t and don’t want to match your sweet ‘yes’ with that kind of money. Two things — first, I respect you. I believe you’ll include me on your ballot because of my record, character, and abilities — not because of billions of pesos,” he said.

“Second, I respect myself. I believe that leadership is about giving yourself and offering the purest love,” he added.

As a former food security secretary, Pangilinan acknowledged Bulacan’s role in his three terms in the Senate, as the province had voted him into power each time.

In return for the trust Bulaceños had given him, Pangilinan took pride in never being involved in any corruption allegations.