Multi-awarded writer Jose “Butch” Dalisay Jr. has come to the defense of Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan amid criticism over their decision to join the majority, saying the two lawmakers are not only answerable to “Pinklawans” but to the entire nation.
In his opinion piece, Dalisay pushed back against critics who accused Bam and Kiko of betraying the opposition by aligning with the Senate majority bloc under Senate President Chiz Escudero.
“I think Bam and Kiko deserve our trust. Let’s cut them some slack and give them a chance. We pinklawans aren’t the only voters they’re answerable to,” he emphasized.
Rather than consider it as a surrender of ideals, Dalisay said the move should be seen as a strategic choice to ensure they can pursue meaningful reforms in their respective areas of expertise—education and agriculture.
“Bam and Kiko just need to prove themselves once more at their jobs and serve the Filipino to the best of their ability so that when 2028 comes—and whatever their plans may be for that next milestone—they can have a good answer to the basic question that our voters have every right to ask: “So what have you done for me? ” he pointed out.
Dalisay said Kiko and Bam both need a platform to push their respective advocacies and fulfill their promise to the Filipino people following their overwhelming win in the 2025 elections.
“Bam and Kiko need a platform from which to connect corruption to the price of rice, to persistent flooding, to the failure of Filipino children to read at Grade 3,” he emphasized, expressing confidence that both lawmakers will continue to prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people in tackling urgent national issues.
Earlier, Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo said allies and supporters should emulate Bam and Kiko by embracing 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 don 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.
Mayor Leni also encouraged supporters to focus on building bridges and broadening their support base in the next three years in preparation for the 2028 elections.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Franklin Drilon insisted that Bam and Kiko did not switch directions and are pursuing the same advocacies as they promised during the 2025 senatorial campaign.
“They didn’t switch directions. Bam campaigned on the platform of education. Kiko campaigned on the platform of food security. That’s precisely what they are pursuing by getting into the majority bloc to head the committees on which they stood as an issue when they were campaigning,” Drilon said.
“There’s no real opposition or administration bloc. Each senator wants to project his or her own program or policies,” Drilon said, adding that “the platform has become personal.”
