Senatorial aspirants Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino have launched their grassroots campaign called “KiBam”, a portmanteau of the two’s first names.

The campaign aims to “unite Filipinos around a platform of transparent governance, economic recovery, social justice, and youth empowerment.”

The event was reminiscent of the 2022 campaign of former Vice President Leni Robredo and then-Vice Presidential candidate Pangilinan with banners showing themed colors of green and pink.

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Aquino was the manager of Robredo’s presidential campaign.

The senatorial bet noted that he realized during Robredo’s “people’s campaign” that the power of the people is still very much alive.

“Nung naging witness ako dun nakita ko na nandyan yung pwersa at lakas ng taumbayan at siguro kung meron kang sasandalan, sandalan mo yung taumbayan,” Aquino said. 

“Lahat ng mga lumabas noong 2022, lahat ng mga nangahas na magkaroon ng tapang at magsabi ng kanilang gusto para sa ating bayan, kung lalabas ulit yan kami po ni Sen. Kiko siguradong sigurado sa senado,” he added.

 Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Pangilinan and Aquino’s campaign manager, called on their supporters to convince people on the ground for Pangilinan and Aquino.

 “Nung 2022, ang laki ng impact ng ating pagsasama-sama. Kaya tiyak ko, kapag tayo’y nagsama muli, ako, si Sen. Kiko, si Sen. Bam at ating mga kababayan sa grassroots, sa mga sectoral organizations at sa bawat antas ng pamumuhay, abot-kamay natin ang tagumpay,” Hontiveros said in a speech. 

Kiko Pangilinan files candidacy for Senate comeback

 Pangilinan in his speech highlighted his advocacy on food security, support to farmers and fisherfolk, and addressing inflation.

 “Gawin nating mapababa ang presyo ng mga bilihin, masagot ang inflation. ‘Yan ang ipaglalaban natin. Nagawa na natin dati. Pag nagtulungan ang ehekutibo at lehislatura, kayang gawin ulit ‘yun,” he said. 

While Aquino zeroed in on his crusade for quality and accessible education and more job opportunities. 

“Kami po sa 2025… libreng kolehiyo at siguradong trabaho para sa bawat Pilipino. Gusto namin bago pa mag-graduate ang mga kabataan natin meron nang job offer,” he noted.

 Various sectoral groups from Bulacan attended the event including the Solo Parents Federation Guiguinto, 1Sambayan Bulacan, Bulacan Alliance for Reform, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines among others. 

The event was also graced by local officials including Guiguinto, Bulacan Mayor Agay Cruz.