[WATCH] Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino start campaign with Mass at UP Diliman

The opposition senatorial bets are joined by former vice president Leni Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition bets former senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino spent the first hours of the campaign period for national and party-list candidates with Holy Mass inside the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, on Tuesday, February 11.

Pangilinan and Aquino, both UP alumni, attended the Mass at the university chapel which was also attended by former vice president Leni Robredo. The two candidates will hold a kick-off rally at 4 pm on Tuesday, in Dasmariñas City, Cavite.  (READ: 2025 Senate races kick off in shadow of VP Sara’s impeachment)

After serving in the Senate for multiple terms, Pangilinan running in tandem with then-Vice President Leni Robredo in the 2022 presidential and vice presidential elections. Aquino served as senator from 2013 to 2019, but lost a reelection run in 2019, during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte who vilified the Liberal Party and the opposition.

Both are seeking return to the upper chamber to join fellow Liberal Party-allied Senator Risa Hontiveros. Pangilinan is an LP member while Bam heads newbie political party Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP).

Based on the latest Pulse Asia survey, Pangilinan and Aquino were just outside the circle of probable 2025 Senate race winners. Pangilinan ranked 15-16, while Aquino was at 15-18. 

The Senate race is tight, based on survey numbers, and remains fluid as the campaign period begins. Although. — With reports from Jairo Bolledo/Rappler.com