Francis Pancratius Nepomuceno Pangilinan
Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan, born August 24, 1963, is a lawyer, farmer-entrepreneur, and politician who previously served as a Senator from 2001 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2022. He also served as Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization from 2014 to 2015 under the Aquino administration. Pangilinan is known for his advocacy for farmers' welfare and agricultural development, having authored key laws like the Sagip Saka Act and Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. He was the running mate of Leni Robredo in the 2022 Vice Presidential election where he placed second. A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a law degree and Harvard University with a Master's in Public Administration, Pangilinan is currently the Chairman of the Liberal Party and CEO of Sweet Spring Country Farm. He is married to actress and singer Sharon Cuneta, with whom he has four children.
Education
- Master's Degree in Public Administration, Harvard University (1998)
- Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines College of Law (1993)
- BA in English, University of the Philippines Diliman (1986)
- La Salle Greenhills (Elementary and High School)
Career Highlights
- Senator of the Philippines (2001-2013, 2016-2022)
- Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (2014-2015)
- Liberal Party Chairman (2022-present)
- Vice Presidential Candidate (2022)
- Senate Majority Leader (2004-2008)
- Quezon City Councilor (1988-1992)
- CEO, Sweet Spring Country Farm (2012-present)
- Host, Hello Pagkain! on Cignal TV/One PH (2024)
Key Platforms
Food Security and Agricultural Development
Advocating for increased budget for agriculture, full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, and support systems for farmers and fisherfolk to ensure food security and reduce prices of basic commodities.
Anti-Corruption and Good Governance
Promoting transparency, accountability, and clean governance with a focus on eliminating corruption in agricultural sectors, including addressing smuggling and over-importation.
West Philippine Sea Protection
Supporting the Liberal Party's emphasis on asserting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea against Chinese occupation and intrusion.
Healthcare Reforms
Expanding healthcare access based on his previous work co-authoring the Universal Health Care Act and supporting medical supply manufacturing in the Philippines.
Social Justice and Human Rights
Strengthening protection for vulnerable sectors including children, PWDs, and women through improved legislation and enforcement.
Track Record
Agricultural Legislation
Principal author of the Sagip Saka Act (RA 11321), which enables government agencies to purchase agricultural products directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding, eliminating middlemen and increasing farmers' incomes.
Coconut Farmers Support
Principal author of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act (RA 11524), creating a P75 billion trust fund from coco levy funds to benefit coconut farmers and develop the industry.
Human Rights Protection
Co-authored several human rights laws including the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act (2012), Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act, and Anti-Child Marriage Act.
Food Security Advocacy
As Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (2014-2015), he helped reduce rice prices by P3 per kilo and brought down rice inflation from 15% to 0.8%.
Judicial Reform
Authored laws improving the judiciary system, including increased salaries for judges and prosecutors, and measures to address court backlogs.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for economic policies that prioritize food security, lower food prices, and support for agricultural sectors. Supports reducing reliance on imports and strengthening local food production capabilities. |
| Education | Backed numerous education laws including the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Alternative Learning System Act. Supports increased educational funding and improved facilities nationwide. |
| Healthcare | Co-authored the Universal Health Care Act, National Integrated Cancer Control Act, and the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act. Advocates for strengthening local medical supply manufacturing and better support for healthcare workers. |
| Environment | Supported laws protecting the environment including the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022. Advocated for reducing carbon footprint, banning single-use plastics, and stricter policies on waste management. |
| Labor | Authored the Strengthening Workers' Constitutional Right to Self-Organization Act and supported the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law. Advocated for increasing nurses' minimum wage to P30,500 to prevent brain drain. |
| Agriculture | His primary advocacy is agricultural development and farmers' welfare. Authored laws including the Sagip Saka Act, Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, Cash Assistance for Filipino Farmers Act, and Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law. |
| Governance | Promotes transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures. Advocates for a clean and efficient government particularly in food security sectors, noting his clean track record as a senator. |
| Foreign Policy | Supports protecting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea while maintaining diplomatic relations. Believes in developing a 'pro-Filipino' rather than pro-American or pro-China foreign policy. |
| Charter Change | Has not made recent public statements about charter change in his 2025 campaign. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Co-filed the SOGIE Equality Bill in 2018 to protect the LGBTQ+ community against discrimination. |
| Drug War | Opposes the violent approach to the drug problem during the Duterte administration. Views drug addiction primarily as a health issue requiring rehabilitation rather than punishment. |
| Icc | Has not made specific public statements about the ICC in his 2025 campaign, but previously opposed the Anti-Terror Law of 2020 due to human rights concerns. |
Sources & Citations
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/921120/liberal-party-kiko-pangilinan-de-lima/story/
- https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/kiko-pangilinan-eyes-senate-return-2025/
- https://rollingstonephilippines.com/state-of-affairs/2025-philippine-elections-senatorial-primer-kiko-pangilinan/
- https://www.inquirer.net/2025-philippine-elections/voteph-candidate-profile/kiko-pangilinan/
- https://kikopangilinan.com/11858/
- https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2021/0908_pangilinan1.asp
- https://www.ikot.ph/pangilinan-marks-2021-with-governance-achievements/
- https://tribune.net.ph/2025/04/11/kiko-pangilinan-pushes-sagip-saka-act-supports-das-palay-price-plan
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025