SENATOR Francis Pangilinan has urged the Filipino youth to continue participating and engaging in the country’s electoral process, stressing the critical role they play in shaping the nation’s future.

He recalled his own experiences as a student leader who fought for democracy until the country was finally freed from dictatorship.

“Bilang mga kabataan, kayo—at sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, kapag ang kabataan ay kumilos, tumindig, nanindigan, tumaya, nagkakaroon ng social, political upheaval. Totoo yan. In fact, I would credit yung panalo namin dahil sa inyo, sa kabataang tumitindig at tumataya,” he said.

Pangilinan said his hard-won victory in the 2025 polls continues to fuel his dream of good governance and principled leadership.

“We are doing this—this victory is because we love our children—because you deserve better, because we are fighting for your future and we will not stop fighting until we get that future that you deserve,” he said.

He acknowledged the heartbreak of the 2022 elections, sharing how a volunteer broke into tears when he met her again during the 2025 campaign, but urged the youth to once again care deeply enough for the country to take risks.

“We are not done yet. Kailangan magmahal ulit. Kaya sabi ko hindi pa tayo tapos. Tumaya ulit, kumilos ulit, minahal ulit ang kapwa at ang bansa at yun, nanalo tayo dahil sa pagmamahal sa bayan. Nanalo tayo dahil sa pagmamahal sa kapwa,” he said.

“At tuloy-tuloy tayong mananalo kapag ganon ang ating paninindigan—dahil mahal natin ang bansa,” he added.