Pangilinan vows support if ever uncle-in-law Sotto wins VP race

Vice presidential aspirant Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Thursday said he would support Senate President Vicente Sotto III if ever the latter wins in the 2022 vice presidential race.

"Kung sino man ang manalo, pinili ng taumbayan, kung saan ako puwede sumuporta, susuporta ako [Whoever is elected by the people, I will give my support where it is needed]," Pangilinan said during Super Radyo dzBB's "Ikaw Na Ba? The Vice Presidential Interviews."

Sotto is the uncle of Pangilinan's wife, actress Sharon Cuneta.

Pangilinan made the response when asked about his relationship with Sotto. He has previously admitted that he and Sotto both running for vice president has caused tension within the family, and that he is hoping for a reconciliation after the elections.

Anti-corruption bet

Meanwhile, during the interview, Pangilinan said public officials should make their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) public, and that the government should work with the private sector in providing social services to stamp out corruption.

"As to making SALN public, I have no problem with that. I am not hiding anything," he said.

He said private sector participation is important in addressing corruption in the government.

"In fighting corruption, the private sector should also actively participate in government programs," he said, citing previous collaboration with the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce during the Aquino administration, which he said built 200 school buildings at a lower cost, and the P60 million worth of government housing program built in cooperation with Gawad Kalinga.

"The private sector has a role to play in ensuring transparency and accountability in the government. With the private sector being eagle-eyed since they have a stake at it, corruption will be prevented," he added.

Pangilinan also said that transparent and honest governance will entice investors in the country, including telecom companies, which the country needs since there are only two established telecom firms and one startup operating in the country.

"If we are going to let the telcos in, we should have two, three more. They will come here if they see there is integrity in governance. This [honest governance] will spark confidence among investors, including telcos," he said. —KBK, GMA News