Manila, Philippines — With less than three weeks until the May 12 midterm elections, actress and singer Sharon Cuneta delivered an emotional plea at a campaign rally Wednesday, urging voters to support her husband, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, despite his absence from the top 12 in recent surveys.
Cuneta addressed the crowd with both sincerity and concern, referencing the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey that showed Pangilinan trailing in the senatorial race.
“When I look at the survey list, I feel a bit worried. But I’m trusting you all with Kiko,” she said. “He’s number 51 on the ballot.”
She challenged voters to think critically and avoid being swayed by online disinformation, pointing to recent false claims that her husband had mocked traditional Filipino dining by eating off banana leaves.
“He was eating a Kapampangan dish with mustard leaves,” she clarified. “At home, we often eat with our hands—even on banana leaves. It’s our culture.”
Cuneta’s appeal focused on issues close to Pangilinan’s platform—agriculture, food security, and the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk—and encouraged Filipinos to cast their votes not based on popularity but principle.
Donny Pangilinan: “Choose Integrity Over Fame”
Actor Donny Pangilinan, the senator’s nephew, joined the campaign event, delivering a passionate speech that framed the elections as a moral choice.
“I’m not here as a celebrity or a nephew. I’m here as a Filipino who believes Kiko is one of the most qualified leaders we have,” he said.
Donny praised his uncle’s legislative work in agriculture and food security and urged voters to choose leaders who act with genuine care and integrity.
“Surveys don’t shape the future. Our votes do,” he said. “Choose wisely—choose Kiko.”
Regine Velasquez: Lawmaking, Not Handouts
Also lending her voice to the campaign was singer Regine Velasquez, who reminded voters of a senator’s true role.
“A senator’s job is to craft laws, not hand out aid,” she said. “Kiko Pangilinan has the experience and heart to legislate for the people.”
‘Walang Kulay ang Solusyon’: Promoting Unity Through Dialogue
At a separate event in Angeles University Foundation, Senator Pangilinan introduced his new video series, “Walang Kulay ang Solusyon”, aimed at bridging political divides through conversation.
He recounted the story of Joie, a call center agent who admitted she nearly voted for him in 2022 but changed her mind after encountering toxic behavior from some of his online supporters.
“We need dialogue, not insults,” Pangilinan said. “Social media behavior matters—it influences how people vote.”
Celebrity Support Grows
Beyond Cuneta, Pangilinan’s campaign has gained support from a range of entertainment personalities, including:
- Jona, singer
- DJ Suzy, radio host
- Pooh, comedian
- Chito Miranda, frontman of Parokya ni Edgar
- Rivermaya, rock band
All expressed confidence in Pangilinan’s track record, particularly his advocacy for farmers, and urged voters to look beyond the surveys and vote with conscience.