Former senator and senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan may not have the benefit of a large political machinery in his 2025 Senate comeback bid — but he says his greatest campaign asset is his own family.
At the “Kita Kiks sa Cebu” rally held Wednesday, 7 May, at Plaza Independencia, Pangilinan told supporters that his relatives — whom he affectionately calls “Barangay Pangilinan” — have been going all-out to support his candidacy, from house-to-house campaigning to joining public market runs across the country.
“We siblings are helping one another because this is our machinery,” Pangilinan said in Filipino. “We may not have the massive political networks other candidates have, but we know that family matters. Our families working together — that’s important.”
The former senator hails from a large family with eight siblings, many of whom have joined the campaign trail alongside their spouses and children. Among them is his brother Anthony Pangilinan and niece Ella Pangilinan-Miranda, who were seen engaging with marketgoers in Carcar and San Fernando. His sister Nenette, meanwhile, campaigned at Tabunok Public Market.
Angeli, wife of Gary Valenciano, and eldest sister Maricel were also present in campaign events. Notably, actor and nephew Donny Pangilinan, despite his busy showbiz schedule, has actively joined rallies and market runs, often serenading voters and taking selfies with supporters. He previously appeared in General Santos City, where he performed “Fallen” by Lola Amour, and also participated in a food vlog with his father Anthony and “Tito Kiko.”
Donny’s parents, Anthony and actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, have distributed flyers in markets across Davao City, Davao del Norte, and Bukidnon. His sisters Ella and Hannah have also been seen handing out campaign materials and talking to voters. Another niece, Stella, joined Hannah at a fun run organized by supporters in Pampanga.
Pangilinan’s wife, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, and their youngest son Miguel have regularly joined campaign sorties. Cuneta performed for leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Cotabato and serenaded residents of Marawi with her songs “Kahit Konting Pagtingin” and “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako.”
Their daughters Frankie and Miel, although preoccupied with school, have also pitched in. Miel released a campaign video, while Frankie wrote a personal letter to mayors asking for their support.
Other family members, including siblings Felichi, Joseph, and John, have also been actively campaigning in areas such as La Trinidad, Makati, Quezon City, Palawan, Antique, and Batangas. Barangay Pangilinan even spearheaded a house-to-house campaign in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, with youth volunteers.
Expressing his gratitude, Pangilinan said, “Thank you so much to my family — my siblings and my nieces and nephews — for their unwavering support, for spending their time and energy on this campaign, and for believing in our advocacy. Thank you for your unmatched love and trust, given with no expectations in return.”
With just days to go before the May 2025 midterm polls, Pangilinan continues to emphasize his core advocacy of food security, anchored on his Sagip Saka Act and the proposed Free Breakfast Program for public school students.