On May 12, 2025, Filipinos will head to the polls to elect new leaders. As election season approaches, making informed decisions about which candidates to support is essential. Voters must evaluate the platforms, advocacies, and track records of candidates to align their choices with their values and priorities. In the senatorial race, these are my current top picks.
1. Kiko Pangilinan: Champion of Farmers and Food Security
Background and Achievements:
- Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is a seasoned politician with years of legislative experience. He served as a Senator from 2001 to 2013 and was re-elected in 2016. He also served as the Senate Majority Leader and was the former Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food.
- Pangilinan is known for his advocacy for agriculture reform, food security, and rural development.
Key Platforms and Advocacies:
- Agriculture and Food Security: Pangilinan has long championed policies aimed at improving the lives of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. His advocacy for providing better government support, subsidies, and access to agricultural technology aims to strengthen local food production.
- Anti-Poverty and Livelihood Programs: He pushes for programs that empower marginalized communities through livelihood assistance and agricultural cooperatives.
- Good Governance and Transparency: Pangilinan has been a vocal advocate for transparency and anti-corruption measures.
Why Vote for Him?
Pangilinan’s legislative track record and consistent advocacy for farmers make him a strong candidate for those prioritizing agricultural reform, food security, and rural empowerment. His experience and dedication to uplifting the agricultural sector demonstrate his commitment to improving the quality of life for ordinary Filipinos.
2. Bam Aquino: Youth Empowerment and Education Advocate
Background and Achievements:
- Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV is a former Senator and social entrepreneur. As a legislator, he authored and sponsored several landmark bills, including the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which provides free tuition for students in state universities and colleges.
- He also founded Hapinoy, a program supporting micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Key Platforms and Advocacies:
- Education and Youth Empowerment: Aquino prioritizes accessible and affordable education, aiming to improve educational systems and provide more opportunities for youth.
- Support for MSMEs: His advocacy for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) focuses on empowering small businesses through financial support and policy reforms.
- Innovation and Technology: Aquino has consistently pushed for legislation supporting startups and tech innovations to drive economic growth.
Why Vote for Him?
Aquino’s dedication to youth empowerment, education, and small business support makes him a compelling candidate for those who value accessible education, economic growth, and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
3. Haidi Mendoza: Advocate for Good Governance and Anti-Corruption
Background and Achievements:
- Haidi Mendoza is a former Commission on Audit (COA) officer who exposed corruption in local government units, earning her recognition for her courageous stance against corruption.
- She is known for her efforts in promoting transparency and accountability in government institutions.
Key Platforms and Advocacies:
- Anti-Corruption and Accountability: Mendoza prioritizes policies promoting transparency, public accountability, and good governance.
- Public Service Efficiency: She aims to streamline government services to make them more accessible and efficient for ordinary citizens.
- Ethical Leadership: Mendoza’s platform emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, ensuring that public officials are held accountable.
Why Vote for Her?
Mendoza’s commitment to anti-corruption and her track record as a public servant make her a strong candidate for those seeking principled and ethical leadership focused on transparency and accountability.
4. Luke Espiritu: Progressive Labor Rights Advocate
Background and Achievements:
- Luke Espiritu is a labor lawyer and activist known for his advocacy for workers’ rights. He is the president of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), a progressive labor organization.
- Espiritu gained attention for his impassioned speeches and fearless stance against corruption and exploitation.
Key Platforms and Advocacies:
- Labor Rights and Fair Wages: Espiritu advocates for better working conditions, higher wages, and stronger protection for laborers.
- Human Rights and Social Justice: He promotes social equality and opposes corporate and political exploitation of the working class.
- Progressive Policies: Espiritu supports policies addressing wealth inequality, promoting social welfare, and defending human rights.
Why Vote for Him?
Espiritu’s unwavering commitment to workers’ rights and social justice makes him an ideal candidate for voters seeking bold and progressive representation that prioritizes the interests of the marginalized and working-class citizens.
5. Angelo De Alban: Legal Reformer and Educational Advocate
Background and Achievements:
- Angelo De Alban is a lawyer and educator who has been active in promoting educational reforms and legal literacy.
- He has been an advocate for accessible education and legal empowerment, particularly for underprivileged communities.
Key Platforms and Advocacies:
- Educational Reform: De Alban pushes for accessible and quality education, including better support for teachers and students.
- Legal Literacy and Access to Justice: He advocates for legal literacy programs to empower citizens to understand their rights and access justice.
- Youth and Grassroots Development: De Alban supports programs that engage and empower youth, particularly through education and leadership development.
Why Vote for Him?
De Alban’s focus on educational reform and legal literacy makes him an appealing candidate for voters who prioritize accessible education, legal empowerment, and youth engagement.
Choosing Leaders Who Represent Your Values
Voting is one of the most powerful tools citizens have in shaping the future. Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, Haidi Mendoza, Luke Espiritu, and Angelo De Alban offer platforms rooted in agricultural reform, youth empowerment, anti-corruption, labor rights, and education reform. Each candidate brings unique strengths and advocacies to the table.
By carefully examining their platforms, track records, and advocacies, voters can make informed decisions that reflect their values and aspirations for a better Philippines. Choose leaders who will champion meaningful change and stand for the interests of the people.