Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called on the Filipino youth to continue participating in the country’s electoral process, stressing their vital role in shaping the nation’s future.

Speaking before student leaders in Tuguegarao City, Pangilinan recalled his own journey as a student leader who fought for democracy during the dictatorship.

“Bilang mga kabataan, kayo–at sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, kapag ang kabataan ay kumilos, tumindig, nanindigan, tumaya, nagkakaroon ng social, political upheaval. Totoo yan. In fact, I would credit yung panalo namin dahil sa inyo, sa kabataang tumitindig at tumataya,” he said.

The senator, who scored a surprise victory in the May 2025 midterm polls, said he continues to pursue good governance and honest leadership.

“We are doing this—this victory is because we love our children—because you deserve better, because we are fighting for your future and we will not stop fighting until we get that future that you, our children, deserve,” he said.

Pangilinan also acknowledged the disappointment of the 2022 elections, recounting how a volunteer cried when they met again during the 2025 campaign. But he underscored the importance of once more caring for the country and taking a stand.

“We are not done yet. Kailangan magmahal ulit. Kaya sabi ko hindi pa tayo tapos. Tumaya ulit, kumilos ulit, minahal ulit ang kapwa at ang bansa at yun, nanalo tayo dahil sa pagmamahal sa bayan. Nanalo tayo dahil sa pagmamahal sa kapwa,” he said.

“At tuloy-tuloy tayong mananalo kapag ganon ang ating paninindigan dahil mahal natin ang bansa,” he added.