Despite mounting social media attacks against former Senator and senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, the Magsasaka Partylist has expressed its unequivocal support for his bid to regain a Senate seat, saying he has “consistently stood beside our farmers through concrete action.”


“As the voice of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk in Congress, Magsasaka Partylist proudly expresses its support for the senatorial candidacy of former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan,” the group said in a statement.


The Partylist lauded Pangilinan for championing the Sagip Saka Act in the Senate as its principal author, emphasizing that the policy can bring genuine relief to farmers when effectively implemented.


“He is the principal author of the Sagip Saka Act, a landmark law that empowers farmers and fisherfolk through direct market access, removing unnecessary middlemen and ensuring fair prices for both producers and consumers,” Magsasaka Partylist said.


“We have seen how this policy, when implemented well, brings real relief to those who toil in our fields and seas,” it added.


Pangilinan has proven himself as a dependable ally for farmers, standing up and working for their welfare, especially during times of crisis such as import liberalization, plummeting farmgate prices, and neglect of the agriculture industry.


“We believe that with Senator Pangilinan back in the Senate, we will have a stronger, braver, and more consistent advocate who understands the urgent need to fight hunger, lower food prices, and uplift the agricultural sector,” it concluded.


Pangilinan, for his part, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Magsasaka Partylist, whose support came at a crucial time amid a well-funded disinformation campaign seeking to discredit him and his advocacy for farmers.


“Taos-puso tayong nagpapasalamat sa Magsasaka Partylist sa kanilang suporta sa atin. Ito’y pagpapatibay lang ng ating matagal nang paninindigan at pagkilos para sa kapakanan ng ating mga magsasaka,” he said.


The former senator said Magsasaka Partylist’s endorsement serves as a source of strength and inspiration as he faces a disinformation campaign on a food blog showing him eating rice and carabao milk on a pot lid.


“Masakit na ginagamit na kasiraan ang pagkain sa takip ng kaldero na isang alaala ng aking kabataan bilang isang Kapampangan,” he said.


“Ngunit hindi tayo magpapatinag sa mga paninirang ito at ipagpapatuloy natin ang pagtatrabaho para masolusyunan ang mahal na presyo ng pagkain at maiangat ang buhay ng mga magsasaka’t mangingisda. Bahagi ito ng paniwala natin na walang kulay ang gutom at walang kulay ang solusyon,” Pangilinan said.