Former senator and senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Saturday reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the urban poor’s housing challenges should he return to the Senate.

Speaking at the covenant signing of the Koalisyon ng Organisadong Samahan ng Maralitang Taga-Lungsod (KOSMAT) at the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Loreto in Manila, Pangilinan pledged to work with grassroots groups to advance affordable housing initiatives. The event gathered 17 urban poor community organizations, which presented their policy agenda.

“We are ready to engage with groups tackling issues affecting the urban poor, especially KOSMAT,” he said.

Pangilinan highlighted his track record as former chair of the Senate Committee on Housing, where he partnered with Gawad Kalinga to build low-cost homes. He noted that through his office’s support, the number of GK sites outside Metro Manila expanded from 21 to over 1,200 in five years.

“We believed then — and still do — that government funds are most effective when the private sector and other stakeholders collaborate with government,” he added.

KOSMAT’s proposals include legislative inquiries into housing programs, funding for the People’s Plan, a moratorium on amortization-related evictions in NHA sites, and the condonation of loans in relocation areas.

In a separate event, Pangilinan was named a Health Tax Hero by the Sin Tax Coalition for championing public health by supporting higher taxes on tobacco, vape, and alcohol products.

At the coalition’s Health Tax Heroes and Hazards Forum on 8 April, the group called on 2025 candidates to back stronger health policies. Pangilinan was recognized for consistently voting to raise sin taxes in 2004, 2012 (Republic Act 10351), and 2019 to help fund healthcare services.

Health advocates warn that the Philippines faces a public health crisis, with over 115,000 deaths annually linked to smoking and alcohol consumption.