Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is a prominent Filipino politician, lawyer, and advocate for agricultural reform. Born on August 24, 1963, in Manila, Philippines, Pangilinan has dedicated his career to public service, championing the rights of farmers and promoting food security in the country.

Early Life and Education

Pangilinan pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, majoring in Comparative Literature. He furthered his studies by obtaining a Bachelor of Laws from the same university. Demonstrating a commitment to public administration, Pangilinan attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1997, earning a Master’s in Public Administration.

Political Career

Pangilinan’s political journey began in the Senate, where he served multiple terms. His tenure included roles such as Senate Majority Leader from 2004 to 2008. In 2014, he was appointed Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, overseeing agencies like the National Food Authority and the Philippine Coconut Authority.

In the 2022 elections, Pangilinan ran for the vice presidency alongside former Vice President Leni Robredo but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he filed his candidacy for a Senate seat in the 2025 elections, aiming to continue his advocacy for agriculture and food security.

Advocacy for Agriculture

A significant aspect of Pangilinan’s career is his dedication to empowering small-scale farmers. He believes in the potential of agriculture to drive economic growth and has consistently pushed for policies that support farmers. His personal venture into farming led to the establishment of Sweet Spring Country Farm in Alfonso, Cavite, which produces chemical-free lettuce and herbs. This initiative not only serves as a model for sustainable farming but also provides educational tours and on-the-job training for students, emphasizing the viability and importance of agriculture.

Challenges and Resilience

Pangilinan’s farming endeavors have faced challenges, notably the devastation caused by Supertyphoon Glenda in 2014, which resulted in significant losses for his farm. Despite these setbacks, he remains committed to agriculture, using these experiences to advocate for better support systems for farmers facing similar challenges.

Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has had a distinguished political career in the Philippines, marked by significant legislative contributions and steadfast advocacy in various sectors. His work encompasses agriculture, human rights, education, healthcare, and governance. Below is an overview of his accomplishments, legislative initiatives, and the laws he has successfully championed as a senator.

Accomplishments in Political Career

Agricultural Advocacy

Pangilinan has been a fervent advocate for the agricultural sector, focusing on empowering farmers and ensuring food security. Notable achievements include:

Sagip Saka Act: As the principal author, this law allows direct procurement of agricultural and fishery products from accredited farmers and fisherfolk organizations without public bidding, providing financial, technical, and marketing support.
Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act: This legislation mandates the creation of a 50-year trust fund, transferring at least ₱75 billion of accumulated coco levy to benefit coconut farmers from 2021 to 2025.

Human Rights and Social Justice

Pangilinan has contributed significantly to human rights and social justice through various legislative efforts:

Magna Carta for Disabled Persons Amendments: As the principal author, he enhanced privileges and incentives for persons with disabilities (PWDs), including a 20% discount and expanded prohibitions against ridicule and vilification.
Workers’ Right to Self-Organization: He strengthened the constitutional right of workers to self-organization, allowing supervisory employees to join federations or national unions alongside rank-and-file employees.
Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012: Pangilinan supported this act, which prohibits authorities from abducting individuals suspected of anti-government activities.

Healthcare Initiatives

In the healthcare sector, Pangilinan has been proactive in introducing measures to improve public health:

Trans Fat Free Philippines Bill: Filed in December 2020, this bill aims to eliminate industrially-produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) from the food supply, addressing the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in the country.
Pandemic Protection Act of 2020: This proposed legislation seeks to provide tax exemptions to Filipino manufacturers, ensuring a steady supply of medical products during health emergencies.
COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021: Co-authored by Pangilinan, this act expedites the procurement and administration of COVID-19 vaccines to Filipinos.

Education and Youth Empowerment

Pangilinan has also focused on education and youth empowerment:

Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act: As a co-author, this law provides free tuition and miscellaneous fees in state universities and colleges, offering financial assistance to students in both public and private institutions.
Constitutional Education Act: This proposed legislation aims to integrate education on the 1987 Philippine Constitution into the Grade 12 curriculum of all public and private educational institutions.

Governance and Anti-Corruption

His commitment to good governance is evident in his legislative initiatives:

Freedom of Information Act of 2016: Pangilinan filed this bill to implement the people’s right to information and uphold constitutional policies of full public disclosure and honesty in public service.
Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2018: Co-authored by Pangilinan, this act defines and prohibits political dynasties, providing penalties to promote fair political practices.

Legislative Initiatives as Senator

Throughout his tenure, Pangilinan has filed and supported numerous bills addressing various national concerns:

Body Camera Act: Mandates law enforcement personnel to wear body cameras during operations, providing guidelines for their use and penalizing non-compliance.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Promotion Act of 2017: Promotes environmentally sustainable transport by providing incentives for the manufacture, assembly, conversion, and importation of electric and hybrid vehicles, including charging stations.
Zero Food Waste Act: Provides a system for redistributing and recycling food waste to promote food security.
Integrated Urban Agriculture Act of 2016: Promotes integrated urban agriculture and vertical farming to address food security concerns and provide livelihood opportunities.
Expanded Crop Insurance Act of 2016: Provides compensation to farmers affected by recurrent disasters and calamities, sustaining agricultural credit and financing to ensure food security.

Laws Passed as Senator

Pangilinan has been instrumental in the passage of several significant laws:

Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (R.A. No. 11054): Co-authored by Pangilinan, this law establishes an autonomous political entity in the Bangsamoro region, promoting peace and development.
Free Internet Access in Public Places Act (R.A. No. 10929): As the principal author and co-sponsor, this law provides free, reliable, and fast wireless internet access in public places, including government offices, parks, state colleges and universities, hospitals, and transport terminals.kikopangilinan.com
Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (R.A. No. 9344): Authored by Pangilinan, this act protects the rights of children in conflict with the law, ensuring they receive proper rehabilitation instead of imprisonment.
Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Law (R.A. No. 10601): Co-authored by Pangilinan, this law aims to modernize farming through mechanized tools, helping increase productivity.
Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (R.A. No. 10068): This law promotes the use of natural farming methods and reduces dependence on harmful chemicals.
Expanded Senior Citizens Act: Grants more benefits and privileges to senior citizens, enhancing their welfare and support.
Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008: Strengthens the cooperative sector, promoting self-re