Former senator and senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan made a strong push for his Senate comeback in Cebu City on Wednesday, highlighting not only his clean track record in public service but also the unwavering support of his family — fondly called “Barangay Pangilinan”— which has become his grassroots campaign machinery.

Speaking to supporters at the “Kita Kiks sa Cebu Rally” held at Plaza Independencia, Pangilinan urged voters to elect leaders with integrity and a proven commitment to honest governance.

“Let’s elect those with a solid track record. Let’s stop voting for liars, thieves, and abusers of power. If we do that, we’ll have a more efficient government that’s honest and true to its people,” Pangilinan told the enthusiastic crowd.

He added, “When honest and sincere leaders win and serve, many of the country’s problems can be greatly reduced. Let’s choose leaders who are truly deserving.”

Pangilinan proudly shared that unlike other candidates with massive political machinery, he relies on the love and hard work of his large and close-knit family.

“My siblings and I help each other because that’s our machinery. We don’t have the big machinery that other candidates have, but we all know how important family is. Our families matter, and we help each other,” he said.

His family has been actively campaigning across the country: Anthony Pangilinan and his daughter Ella were at the Carcar and San Fernando Public Markets, while his sister Nenette was at the Tabunok Public Market. Sisters Angeli, wife of Gary Valenciano, and Maricel joined Kiko in Cebu. Nephews, nieces and other siblings have also been busy on the ground.

Donny Pangilinan, the most popular of the brood, has joined market runs and rallies despite his busy showbiz schedule — charming voters with selfies, songs, and even serenading crowds, as he did at the General Santos City rally. Donny’s parents, Anthony and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, have also been seen distributing flyers from Davao to Bukidnon, while Ella and Hannah Pangilinan engaged with voters across Luzon and Mindanao.

Other family members have hit the streets and public markets nationwide: Felichi Pangilinan campaigned in La Trinidad; brothers Joseph and John covered various rallies and caucuses from Quezon to Palawan; and Nenette led a house-to-house campaign in Nueva Ecija before heading to Laoag City.

Kiko’s wife, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, and their youngest son Miguel have been present in many of his campaign sorties, with Sharon even serenading supporters in Marawi and MILF leaders with heartfelt songs. Daughters Frankie and Miel also joined the effort, with Miel releasing a campaign video and Frankie penning a letter to local leaders.

“Thank you so much to my family — my siblings, my nieces and nephews — for your tireless support, for giving your time and energy to our campaign, and for believing in our advocacies. I am forever grateful for your trust and unconditional love,” Pangilinan said.

He also underscored his unblemished public service record, emphasizing that in his three Senate terms, he was never involved in any corruption scandal. “Not once was I ever linked to any anomaly. When you serve, you must be honest and true. Politicians and public servants must never betray the people,” he declared.