MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has reiterated his support for Filipino farmers following recent changes in Senate leadership, stressing that political disputes should not overshadow the struggles of ordinary citizens facing rising prices and food insecurity.

Pangilinan said ongoing political tensions must not come at the expense of basic needs, noting that many Filipinos continue to suffer from hunger and declining incomes amid global economic pressures.

He pointed out that while political actors engage in power struggles, ordinary citizens are left dealing with daily hardships.

“Makapaghihintay ang pulitika; ang gutom, hindi (Politics can wait, hunger can’t),” he said following the postponement of the Senate hearing on the situation faced by vegetable farmers in Benguet.

The senator clarified that the issue affecting farmers is not simply oversupply, but a deeper logistics problem worsened by high fuel costs.

He cited discussions with Chef Waya Araos and Benguet farmers, saying transporters are increasingly unwilling to haul agricultural produce because fuel expenses now consume most of their earnings.

Following the Senate leadership reshuffle, which led to the cancellation of scheduled hearings, Pangilinan said he immediately met with affected farmers to hear their concerns directly.

He acknowledged that private meetings cannot replace formal Senate inquiries, but stressed that he would continue pushing for official hearings on the issue.

“Ipaglalaban pa rin natin. Hihingi pa rin tayo ng request na ituloy yung mga hearing at mag-conduct ng mga hearing. At sana pakinggan tayo,” Pangilinan said.

He also assured farmers that despite changes in committee leadership, including the Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, their concerns would remain part of national policy discussions.

Pangilinan said the issue goes beyond political alignments, emphasizing that government action must continue as long as farmers struggle to survive and families depend on affordable food.