Former senator Kiko Pangilinan sparked discussions after appearing as a guest on Toni Gonzaga’s online talk show, ‘Toni Talks,’ where he discussed his political journey, food security advocacy, and Senate comeback bid.
On February 25, Pangilinan shared a photo with Gonzaga on his X (formerly Twitter) account following the interview.
“WALANG KULAY ANG GUTOM. IBA-IBA ANG KULAY NG GULAY AT PAGKAIN,” he wrote, emphasizing that addressing hunger and food security should be above political division.
He also thanked Gonzaga for the opportunity to share his message with a wider audience.
“Salamat, Toni Gonzaga, sa pagkakataong maibahagi ang mensaheng ito sa Toni Talks. Narito po ang aming kamustahan at kwentuhan,” Pangilinan added, providing a link to the full interview.
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IBA IBA ANG KULAY NG GULAY AT PAGKAIN.
Salamat, Toni Gonzaga, sa pagkakataong maibahagi ang mensaheng ito sa Toni Talks.
Narito po ang aming kamustahan at kwentuhan.https://t.co/lVd1MK8MZE pic.twitter.com/AEN432u10U— Kiko Pangilinan (@kikopangilinan) February 24, 2025
The Toni Talks episode, titled ‘Kiko Pangilinan’s Astronaut Dream: How He Ended Up With The Megastar & Senate Comeback,’ explored the former senator’s life before politics, his experiences in public service, and the policies he aims to push if re-elected to the Senate.
Pangilinan, who served as a senator from 2001 to 2013 and 2016 to 2022, previously ran for Vice President in the 2022 elections alongside former VP Leni Robredo. Although their bid was unsuccessful, he remains committed to pushing for agricultural development, food security, and farmer welfare in the country.
His platform centers on strengthening local agriculture and ensuring affordable food supply for all Filipinos, a cause he has consistently championed throughout his political career.
Pangilinan’s decision to appear on Toni Gonzaga’s show drew varied reactions from netizens, given the TV host’s public support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte during the 2022 elections.
While some praised his strategic approach in reaching a different audience, others criticized the move.
One netizen commented: “Di ko gusto si Toni and gets ko na malaki ang reach niya. Support ako dito, @kikopangilinan definitely needs more exposure, especially sa kabilang side, might be able to penetrate a lot of thick skulls.”
Another added: “I hope you changed a few minds or was able to open eyes of a few by using this platform. I hope they realize that you’re running for the good of the country and for Filipinos’ sake.”
Others were skeptical but saw the guesting as a bold political move.
“We don’t like Otin, but it was a bold move to use her show to expose na din to other voters.”
Toni Gonzaga has faced public scrutiny for her endorsement of the Marcos-Duterte tandem in 2022, making her a polarizing figure in political conversations. Given this background, Pangilinan’s appearance on ‘Toni Talks’ was seen by some as a strategic effort to engage with an audience beyond his usual base.
The move also highlights a rare crossover in Philippine political discourse, where figures from opposing sides engage in discussions on the same platform.
With the 2025 elections fast approaching, Pangilinan’s willingness to step into unconventional spaces may be a calculated attempt to widen his voter reach. Whether this strategy will resonate with broader demographics remains to be seen.
