‘Kiko, Bam did what needed to be done without sacrificing their principles’ — Mayor Leni

Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo emphasized that Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan did what was necessary to win the 2025 senatorial race without compromising their principles.

“Sa atin lang, if we fight right, may chance tayo. Gaya ng ginawa nila Senator Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, kung gusto natin manalo, kailangan mas lawakin natin iyong space natin para sa dissenting views,” Mayor Leni said.

Bam finished second in the 2025 senatorial race, garnering more than 20 million votes, while Kiko placed fifth with more than 15 million votes, despite lagging in pre-election surveys.

To replicate the success of the two senators, Mayor Leni urged allies and supporters to embrace collaboration and inclusivity, saying it would benefit not just their movement but the country as a whole.

“Marami pa rin kasi tayong mga kasama na mas puso, mas puso yung pinapairal, mas emotion. Ako, kung gusto natin manalo, ‘di pwede yun eh. Kung gusto nating manalo, kailangan mas malayo yung pagtingin natin at mas malawak,” Mayor Leni said.

“Sa akin lang kung ganun lagi, mahihirapan tayo. Mahihirapan tayo na wala tayong espasyo para do’n sa mga hindi eksakto sa paniniwala natin,” she added.

She also lamented how some allies sometimes turn on their ranks over minor disagreements, which ultimately undermine their chances of success.

“Ngayon, parang one false move, or one move ng isang kandidato na hindi sang-ayon sa kanila, aawayin,” she pointed out.

Echoing the approach taken by Bam and Kiko, Mayor Leni encouraged supporters to focus on building bridges and broadening their support base in the next three years in preparation for the 2028 elections.

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