Senator-elect Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan thanked the Filipino people for turning the “impossible” to “possible” by bringing him back to the halls of Senate.

In a message of gratitude on Saturday, May 17, the senator-elect dedicated his Senate win to the Filipino people, who he said chose compassion, unity, and concrete actions in electing him back to the upper chamber.

“With deep humility and immense gratitude, I accept the mandate given to me by the Filipino people. Una sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos sa biyaya ng tagumpay na ito. Sa Kanya ang lahat ng kapurihan,” he wrote.

Pangilinan, however, won’t be present for the proclamation of the 12 winning senators on May 17 by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) because he and his family are currently in the United States to attend his daughter Frankie’s college graduation.

The senator-elect, who previously admitted he was surprised by the win and was, in fact, getting his plans ready for retirement, underscored the power of the Filipino people in choosing their leaders.

“Walang puwersang pulitikal na hihigit pa sa taumbayan na tumataya, kumikilos, at naninindigan tungo sa isang layunin. At napatunayan natin muli ito sa ating tagumpay,” he said.

“Sa awa ng Diyos at sa lakas ng taumbayan, yung imposible naging posible,” Pangilinan added.

Running under the platform of food security and lower prices of goods, and promising to push for a “Libreng Almusal” program, the senator-elect dedicated his win to farmers, fisherfolk, laborers, solo parents, and families who needed to make ends meet to put food on the table.

“Laban natin ito,” he said.

He also stressed the need to recognize and support the Mindanao region, which he and wife Megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan visited on the campaign trail, not only as the country’s food basket, but as a key component to fight hunger and poverty.

Pangilinan emphasized that with his Senate win, he will fight to keep food prices affordable, bring dignity back to the Filipinos, achieve justice for all, and recognize the challenges that face the country.

“Walang kulay ang gutom. Walang kulay ang solusyon. Walang hinihintay ang awa,” he wrote, repeating a slogan that defined his 2025 senatorial campaign.

“Bumabalik ako sa Senado, hindi lang dala ang mga pangako kundi ang layunin: magtrabaho, maglingkod, at manindigan para sa bawat Pilipinong nangangarap ng mas maayos at masaganang bukas. Maraming salamat sa tiwala. Panahon na para kumilos,” he added.