Former senator and senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan urged fellow candidates to reflect on their duty to the Filipino people this Holy Week, emphasizing the need to find meaningful solutions to the country’s problems instead of engaging in political infighting.

Speaking to media during a campaign stop in Pangasinan province, Pangilinan said that with just 27 days before the 12 May midterm elections, he remains focused on his platform of food security and lowering food prices.

“My prayer is to find solutions to the country’s problems, and that our leaders address them instead of engaging in endless bickering and conflict,” Pangilinan said in Filipino.

The former senator lamented the continued polarization of national discourse and emphasized that hunger, which he calls the central issue of his campaign, transcends political affiliations.

“The country is in disarray. Let’s focus on solutions. Let’s focus on addressing hunger,” he said. “Hunger knows no color."

Pangilinan appealed to candidates and political leaders to avoid adding to public confusion and to instead campaign with calm and a sense of duty to the people.

“Our people are overwhelmed. We shouldn’t add to the chaos. What we need to do is bring calm and find solutions. That’s what this campaign should be about,” he said.

Pangilinan has recently been the target of online disinformation campaigns, including viral videos mocking his food blog where he was shown eating rice and carabao milk from a pot cover. He has asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to investigate and consider suspending the accounts behind the smear efforts.

Despite the attacks, Pangilinan vowed to remain focused on bringing his message to voters.