Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan announced his decision to join the Senate majority bloc on Monday, citing the urgent need to address the national food crisis and secure the position of chairperson for the Committee on Agriculture.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan explained his vote for Senate President Francis Escudero by highlighting the severe issues of skyrocketing food prices, rising hunger, and worsening malnutrition affecting Filipino children. He emphasized the necessity for coordinated action between the executive and legislative branches to combat these challenges effectively.

"Our nation is facing a food crisis, and high food prices have led to unprecedented hunger and stunting among our children," Pangilinan stated during the opening of the 20th Congress. Despite not being a political ally of the current administration, Pangilinan's 15 years of experience in the agriculture and food sectors - both as a senator and former food security secretary - convinced him that collaboration between Malaca±ang and Congress is crucial for effective solutions.

Pangilinan referenced his previous role as food security czar from 2014 to 2015 during the Aquino administration, where the government managed to lower rice prices by up to PHP3 per kilo and reduce rice inflation from 15 percent to 0.8 percent within a year. He attributed these achievements to aggressive reforms, anti-smuggling operations, and executive-legislative coordination.

"We've done it before, and if the President gives his full support, we can do it again," he asserted, underlining that his decision to join the majority does not compromise his independence as a senator. Pangilinan stressed that policy outcomes, rather than political affiliations, should guide legislative actions.