Labor leader and senatorial hopeful Sonny Matula sat down for an insightful lunch with former Vice President Leni Robredo at her home in Naga City last Friday. The meeting wasn’t just a casual chat—it was a strategic exchange about the future of Filipino workers.
Matula laid out his labor agenda for the Senate, highlighting urgent concerns. Robredo zeroed in on the plight of job order and contract-of-service workers in Naga. She expressed a genuine interest in exploring ways to regularize these workers if she were to become mayor, stressing the need to assess the local government’s budget for such reforms.
Their conversation underscored a shared vision: bringing the struggles of marginalized sectors to the forefront of public discourse. “Ang mga isyu ng mga sektor sa laylayan ay dapat dalhin sa sentro ng diskurso,” Matula emphasized.
Flashback to 2022, when Matula was part of Robredo’s senatorial slate during her presidential campaign. Their partnership continues to reflect a commitment to labor rights and social justice.
Meanwhile, a political wave stirred in Sultan Kudarat. The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), allied with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, threw its support behind former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan for his 2025 Senate comeback bid. The endorsement ceremony took place at Camp Darapanan, with Pangilinan joined by his wife, actress Sharon Cuneta.
Not stopping there, Pangilinan also earned a ringing endorsement from Senator Joel Villanueva. “I’ve seen how he works. He’s very hardworking,” Villanueva remarked, recalling their collaboration during the Aquino administration. Pangilinan was then the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, while Villanueva headed TESDA.
Backing Pangilinan’s bid are not only Villanueva but also Senate President Chiz Escudero and Senators Win Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros. Grateful for their support, Pangilinan said, “I thank my colleagues for their trust and support, and we look forward to working with them again in the next Congress.”
As the 2025 elections draw nearer, the political landscape is heating up. For more updates and in-depth coverage, stay tuned to Eleksyon 2025.