MANILA, Philippines — Political flexibility and openness to dissenting views played a crucial role in the senatorial wins of Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, local leaders noted. These strategies are expected to guide the opposition’s approach in the 2028 elections.
In a surprising turn during the 2025 midterm elections, Aquino and Pangilinan — both close allies of former Vice President and Naga City mayor Leni Robredo — secured top spots despite trailing behind administration-backed candidates in surveys before the vote.
How Political Flexibility Secured Victory
In a recent podcast interview, Robredo attributed their success to pragmatism and distancing themselves from strict partisanship. This approach enabled them to gain support from various local officials, even those aligned with rival groups.
“They were not purists; they were pragmatic and had a clear mindset that this had to be won,” she explained.
Robredo acknowledged that some supporters viewed these strategies with skepticism, feeling at times it betrayed their cause. Nonetheless, she emphasized that collaboration was essential to advancing broader, long-term goals.
“Many decisions were made for Bam and Kiko that, to some, felt like a betrayal of the cause—but in truth, they were necessary to get through. And in the end, it seemed to pay off,” she added.
Despite this pragmatism, both senators remain steadfast in their platforms, balancing flexibility without sacrificing core principles, local analysts observed.
Shaping Opposition Strategy for 2028 Elections
Robredo urged the opposition to move away from a purist stance and adopt a more inclusive, pluralistic approach to replicate the success of Aquino and Pangilinan in the 2028 polls.
She proposed creating a broader political space that welcomes differing and dissenting viewpoints.
“If we fight the right way, we have a chance. Like what Senator Bam and Kiko did, if we want to win, we need to widen our space for dissenting views,” Robredo said.
She also stressed the importance of recognizing each political actor’s distinct role, highlighting that cooperation and coordination are key.
“We each have our own roles to play—some go on the offensive, some engage in diplomacy, some strategize—but we all work together,” she noted.
Robredo observed that some allies lack the same openness as Aquino and Pangilinan. “For me, if they remain like that, then, we’ll have a hard time since there’s no space for those who do not share exactly the same beliefs as ours,” she explained.
She also criticized the growing culture of canceling political figures over mistakes, something she witnessed firsthand during the elections.
“Now, it’s like one false move and they immediately attack,” Robredo remarked.
Robredo’s Own Political Flexibility
During her campaign for Naga City mayor, Robredo faced criticism for endorsing former senator Manny Pacquiao and ex-Interior chief Benhur Abalos Jr., both backed by President Marcos’ Alyansa slate.
Political experts commented that Robredo’s endorsements were strategic moves to build coalitions across the political spectrum.
Aquino and Pangilinan’s Position in Senate Majority
Recent developments suggest Aquino and Pangilinan may join the majority bloc as they seek chairmanships of the education and agriculture committees, respectively.
Senate leaders confirmed that both senators signed a resolution supporting Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s leadership.
Facing criticism for this political shift, Pangilinan affirmed that his final decision on alignment will reflect his commitment to addressing hunger and poverty—the primary causes he championed during the elections.
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