Senator Kiko says VP should be a farmer like him

Senator and vice presidential candidate Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Sunday his vast experience as a public servant and a farmer makes him the most qualified to be elected as the next vice president of the Philippines.

"Malawak ang ating karanasan bilang senador, bilang magsasaka, kalihim [bilang Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization], kahit [pa sa] pagiging presidente," Pangilinan said during the first round of the debates for vice presidential aspirants organized by the Commission on Elections dubbed as PiliPinas Debates: The Turning Point.

(I have vast experience as a senator, as a farmer, a Cabinet secretary, which could even pass as president.)

Pangilinan was referring to himself having a farm in Alfonso, Cavite where he grows vegetables and his stint as Cabinet secretary during the administration of the late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

"Kaya sa araw ng halalan, pagkatapos ng mahabang kampanya, sa tulong ng ating mga kababayan, nawa'y the last man standing is a farmer," he added.

(So on Election Day, after a grueling campaign, with the help of the Filipino people, I hope the last man standing is a farmer.)

Pangilinan placed third in the last Pulse Asia poll with an 11% rating.

Pangilinan earlier said that he prefers to be appointed in an agriculture-related government agency in the event his running mate, Vice President Leni Robredo, wins the 2022 presidential race because he is confident he can maximize his competencies in that sector. — RSJ, GMA News