Former Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has expressed his willingness to help address the ongoing rise in commodity prices in the country if he is elected back to the Senate.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Thursday, Pangilinan recalled his 2022 election campaign, highlighting his advocacy of "Hello Pagkain, Goodbye Gutom."
He emphasized the importance of food security and modernizing agriculture to ensure a sufficient food supply.
"Pagkatapos ng tatlong taon, lalong tumindi ang pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain, ng bigas, ng baboy," Pangilinan stated.
"Kaya ‘yun ang isa sa dahilan kung bakit naisip natin may maitutulong tayo dahil noong panahon natin na food security secretary, nagawan natin ng paraan na mapababa ang presyo ng bigas nang hanggang tatlong piso kada kilo sa loob lamang ng isang taon," he added.
Pangilinan acknowledged the efforts of current Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., noting that while he is taking steps to address the issue, additional support from the Senate is needed.
He further pointed out that conducted Senate hearings were crucial in pushing the President to enforce a total ban on POGOs.
In a similar vein, he argued that Senate hearings could shed light on the factors contributing to high rice prices and hold accountable those who are taking advantage.
"Walang kulay ang gutom, so sana makikipagtulungan tayo sa Senado, kung tayo’y papalarin, at ang executive department, tuturo natin ano ang ppwedeng gawin, sino ang dapat habulin basta walang sasantohin, kayang pababain," Pangilinan explained.
"Mahalaga na nagtutulungan ‘yung executive at legislative sa usapin ng pagpapababa ng presyo ng bigas at iba pang bilihin," he added.
His view on the declaration of national food security emergency
Pangilinan believes that the declaration of a food security emergency is important as it provides the government with additional authority to address issues related to it.
The former senator served as Food Security Secretary, and during his tenure, their team declared a state of emergency due to the cocolisap infestation in Region IV-A, which recorded 58 hotspots.
He shared that after six months of the declaration, they were able to secure funding for operations, and the number of hotspots was reduced to just one.
"Pag may state of emergency, mahalaga ‘yan pero ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat, ano ang gagawin mo? Paano mo papakilusin ang burukrasya para habulin at ayusin ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas?" said Pangilinan.
"May 300k metric tons na aging rice ang NFA na pwedeng ire-mill at ipamudmod na murang bigas," he added.
He then reiterated that it is essential to go after those who are allegedly exploiting the situation to resolve the problem.
How he intends to assist the poor upon his return to the Senate
"Kailangan habulin ang mga nagsasamantala at pinapabayaang manatiling mataas ang presyo ng bigas," Pangilinan stated.
"Kung kayang arestuhin ng senado si Alice Guo dahil may imbestigasyon, kaya rin arestuhin ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas at iba pang bilihin kung tama at gugustuhin at ilalabas ang katotohanan," he added.
In addition, he pledged to champion the proposal of offering free breakfast for the first six years of elementary education in public schools, emphasizing the growing problem of hunger and malnutrition nationwide.
Approaches to resolving the issue in the West Philippine Sea
Pangilinan advocated for strengthening ties with ASEAN countries, encouraging dialogue among nations to create a more unified stance.
He believes that the more countries that come together to oppose China’s bullying tactics, the stronger their collective position will be.
Ultimately, he reiterated the need to strengthen the country's armed forces to ensure more effective protection of the nation.
Solution to oil price increase problem
He believes that providing aid to those in dire need is important, but the process should be improved.
In line with this, he emphasized that larger assistance should be given to the transport sector, as it plays a crucial role in allowing people to go to work and return home.
Additionally, he advocates for the establishment of a Gasoline Assistance Program for the transportation sector, ensuring they have a reliable source of support as fuel prices continue to rise.
"Bakit ikaw?"
"Unang-una ako ay nagpapasalamat dahil tatlong beses akong tumakbong senador, tatlong beses akong pinanalo ng ating mga kababayan," said Pangilinan.
He emphasized that he never betrayed the trust and support of those who stood by him, pointing out that throughout his three terms, he was never implicated in any case or controversy, consistently upholding honesty and sincerity.
"We are ready to help the administration find solutions dito sa pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas at iba pang bilihin," he added.
In closing, Pangilinan asked the public not to believe the misinformation being spread about his lack of contributions during his time in office.
He further noted that the only truth is that he did not engage in any corruption, abuse of power, or wrongdoing and that he remained honest and true in his service.
