MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called on Filipinos not to lose hope and to continue speaking out against corruption, social injustices, and abuse of power amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country.

In an interview on DZRH, Pangilinan acknowledged the public’s growing frustration over corruption scandals that have surfaced during recent congressional hearings.

“Sa ating mga kababayan, huwag tayong bibitaw. Kung talagang nais natin yung pagbabago, tayo mismo ang magsalita, tayo mismo (ang) kumilos, tayo mismo ay tumaya,” he said. “Sabi (nga) ng isang manunulat, ang pinakamainit na lugar sa impyerno ay nakareserba para doon sa mga panahon ng krisis ay nagwawalang-kibo.”

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform; Justice and Human Rights; and Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, stressed the crucial role of the people in achieving reform.

“Lahat tayo: krisis ang sitwasyon, ngayon ang panahon (para) tumindig, tumaya, makialam, at kumilos,” he said.

“Naniniwala ako (na) pag taumbayan na ang tumataya, kumikilos, at naninindigan, diyan darating yung pagbabago na nais nating makamtan,” he added.

Earlier, Pangilinan expressed support for peaceful protests and demonstrations demanding justice and accountability in connection with the multi-billion-peso corruption scandal involving flood control projects and government officials.