(From left) Vice Ganda, Kiko Pangilinan and Sharon Cuneta. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Vice Ganda
Vice Ganda expressed his support for senatorial bet Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, with the TV host appealing to the public to really consider the candidates’ credentials before casting a vote.
The “It’s Showtime” host sat down with Pangilinan and his wife, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, for a conversation about his experiences as a former senator as well as his bid to return to the Senate.
Vice Ganda first commended Pangilinan for being simple and efficient not just as an individual but also as a senator.
The comedian pointed out how the latter’s demeanor very much differs from some public officials, lamenting the apparent lack of statesmanship in the country’s current political landscape.
“Ang layo na sa mga napapakinggan kong nagsasalita dati. Kahit ‘yung pamamaraan ng pagsasalita, hindi na, bihira na — parang wala na akong statesman na nakikita,” Vice Ganda said.
“Minsan nagwi-wish ako na sana comedy show itong pinapanuod ko para natatanggap ko,” he added. “But hindi [sila] komedyante at wala [sila] sa comedy show.”
Vice Ganda then underscored Pangilinan’s advocacies for farmers, fishermen, LGBTQIA+ community as well as his proposed platform to help the film industry make cinema more accessible to the public.
Leni-Kiko campaign
During their conversation, Pangilinan also recalled his candidacy for vice presidency along with then-presidential candidate, former Vice President Leni Robredo.
Pangilinan disclosed that he let go of his initial senatorial bid to support Robredo — a decision he does not regret.
“Sa lahat ng kampanya ko bilang kandidato even before, I’ve never seen ‘yung gano’n klaseng outpouring ng volunteerism tsaka ‘yung creativity. I’m proud to have been part of that,” he said.
“Ako ay thankful kaya hindi ako pwedeng mag-give up kasi marami tayong na-inspire, marami tayong napakilos. Naghahanap din sila ng anong susunod kaya hindi natin pwedeng talikuran,” he continued.
Appeal to voters
Vice Ganda then addressed voters and appealed to them to thoroughly examine the candidates they will vote for.
“‘Yung iboboto niyo ba may plano talaga? ‘Yung ibobota niyo ba meron talagang mga target na grupo ng mga Pilipino para protektahan, para tulungan? ‘Yung iboboto niyo ba may alam talaga sa batas?” the TV host asked.
“Kung meron kayong natitirang oras, baka maaari niyong ikumpura ‘yung pinaplano niyong iboto dito kay Sen. Kiko Pangilinan,” he stated.
Vice Ganda further stressed that he does not have the power to tell the public who to vote for, but that he only wants them to consider their candidates’ competence for the public position.
“Kung nagsasawa ka na maging mahirap o kung nagsasawa ka na sa nangyayari sa buhay mong paulit-ulit na lang, itanong mo sa sarili mo, sino ang mga binoto mo noon?” the TV host said.