On Sunday, April 10, Multimedia Princess Nadine Lustre commended vice presidential candidate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan’s unwavering dedication to gaining the sympathy of Filipinos for this upcoming election.
During the crowded rally for the presidential aspirant and incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo in Pampanga earlier on April 9, Pangilinan became emotional after finally receiving support from a group of farmers.
The singer-actress then tweeted, “Mabuhay po kayo @senkikopangilinan,” with a GIF of a man crying.
https://twitter.com/hello_nadine/status/1513109125164838912
Pangilinan made the ultimate sacrifice for his running-mate by sometimes not showing up anymore, just to ensure that other local officials could support Robredo. He was even contented with being in the background and giving the Vice President the so-called “money shot.”
Upon hearing the stories of the vice-presidential bet being disliked by other politicians, prompting them to stand behind the back of the person giving them importance.
They were from the village of San Nicolas, whom the senator also knew very well. They are the ones that he was fighting for as he eyes the second-highest position through his pro-agriculture and food security platform.
Pangilinan even featured some of them in his Biyahe ni Kiko vlog series that he launched back in February. The senator then walked straight to Virgilio Alfaro, who he fondly calls “Tatay Neg,” the struggling 87-year-old farmer who was frequently shown in his videos.
But instead of grabbing the opportunity to shine, he shared the moment with Robredo.
Other netizens also showed support for the unappreciated Pangilinan.
https://twitter.com/anthoonyyfams/status/1513343651207737350
Senator @kikopangilinan, Hindi man itinaas ng mga politiko ang kamay mo, asahan mo na kamay ng mga Pilipino ang magtataas ng kamay mo sa May 9! #PampangaIsPink pic.twitter.com/iyvPuq04PC
— Bryan Lim 🇵🇭✊🏻 (@bryancorpuz21) April 9, 2022
Symbolic raising of Leni and Kiko's hands by FARMERS!!!
My dear Filipinos, let's do it right this time! #LeniKikoAllTheWay #PampangaIsPink pic.twitter.com/Wp7ifRpgOL
— mylesliquigan (@mylesliquigan) April 9, 2022
Grabe. This might be one of the best things that has happened sa rallies.
“Sila na daw ang magtataas ng kamay mo”. Leni & Kiko 🌸 The crowd also sings rosas sa background. 🌸🌸🌸#PampangaIsPink pic.twitter.com/KXdjv99XPE
— Gobyernong Tapat (@TapatDapat) April 9, 2022
“I’ve always been for Kiko as VP, but after seeing this, all qualms and hesitations I have are gone. He is a good candidate in his own right, not just because he allies with VP Leni, sana makita ito ng mga tao, at sana bigyan natin ng fighting chance si Kiko,” said Twitter personality Ryan Lintao.
I've always been for Kiko as VP, but after seeing this, all qualms and hesitations I have are gone. He is a good candidate in his own right, not just because he allies with VP Leni, sana makita ito ng mga tao, at sana bigyan natin ng fighting chance si Kiko. #LeniKikoAllTheWay https://t.co/MjLfSmsNnz
— Ryan C.V. Lintao (@ry_lnt) April 9, 2022
Twitter personality Gideon Peña even pointed out that “the best endorsement comes not from politicians but the people.”
https://twitter.com/attygideon/status/1512817434473873408
A netizen also pointed out that the farmers are now raising Pangilinan’s hands because they know how it feels to be disregarded.
For decades, farmers were used as props by candidates, who'd then toy with their livelihood and futures after they get elected. This cycle, the Sumilao farmers are the ones campaigning for Leni in Mindanao, the San Nicolas farmers are raising Kiko's hands in endorsement. https://t.co/uq9RT0hdRX
— Paolo Tamase (@pstamase) April 9, 2022
for years, my family’s main source of income is through farming. Farmers are amongst the most hardworking people I know, yet the most underpaid. They deserve a better life. Lets help them achieve it. WAG NATIN SILANG BIGUIN. Ipanalo na natin ito. https://t.co/4RgaFgG6Hg
— Josh (@_maybejosh) April 10, 2022
“Kahit simpleng tao lang kami, na simpleng magsasaka, ipapasa natin si Senator Kiko at si Ma’am Leni. Pampanga, isigaw ‘nyo: Kiko! Leni! Leni! Leni! Kiko! Kiko!” said Darren Simbulan, one of the farmers.
This group of farmers also skipped a day’s work to endorse Pangilinan formally.
