Senator Kiko Pangilinan has gained strong support for his Senate comeback bid, with Senator Joel Villanueva, known by his moniker “Tesdaman”, joining the list of his endorsers.

Villanueva said that the Senate needs Pangilinan’s expertise as a three-term Senator and lawyer to ensure that proposed measures will be thoroughly scrutinized before passing. 

“I’ve seen how he works. He’s very hardworking,” Villanueva said, adding that he has collaborated with Pangilinan on several occasions and can vouch for his work ethic.

Pangilinan and Villanueva first worked together in the Aquino Cabinet where Pangilinan served as the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, while Villanueva headed the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

In the Senate, the two worked together to pass landmark legislation, including the Department of Migrant Workers Act and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act.

Villanueva joins a growing list of senators endorsing Pangilinan, including Senate President Chiz Escudero and Senators Win Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros.

For his part, Pangilinan thanked his colleagues for their trust and support for his Senatorial campaign. 

“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa ating mga kasamahan sa Senado sa tiwala na kanilang ibinigay at sa suporta sa ating kampanya,” Pangilinan said. 

“We look forward to working with them again in the next Congress,” he ended.