SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Reelectionist Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. turned heads and drew laughter at a local campaign rally on Wednesday after jokingly offering “lips-to-lips” kisses to his supporters.
The remark was made during a campaign sortie hosted by the local government of Pampanga. It was delivered at least twice during Revilla’s speech, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
“Tanggalin ko na ang salamin ko… Mamaya, ili-lips-to-lips kita. Ikaw din,” Revilla said playfully as he addressed his enthusiastic supporters.
The senator, who is seeking another term under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate, repeated the quip while expressing gratitude for the province’s long-standing support—both during his entertainment career and his time in public service.
“Palaging masarap ang inyong halik, ramdam ko ang inyong yakap. Ang sabi ko nga, kahit lips-to-lips, puwede na,” he said, to laughter and applause.
Revilla’s lighthearted moment came as the administration’s 11-member senatorial lineup campaigned in Pampanga, the eighth most vote-rich province in the country ahead of Eleksyon 2025.
Star Power and Local Ties Woo Kapampangan Voters
Other candidates also pulled out their own crowd-pleasing tactics:
- Senator Lito Lapid, a Pampanga native, was met with roaring cheers upon taking the stage.
- Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao delighted the crowd with a rendition of the classic Kapampangan folk song “Atin Cu Pung Singsing”.
- Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III tapped into family ties, mentioning the Kapampangan roots of his wife, actress Helen Gamboa.
The campaign event culminated with an endorsement from Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, who raised the hands of the Alyansa senatorial candidates on stage.
Of the full administration slate, only former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was absent from the day’s campaign activities.