New senators to play key role in PHL agri, trade and nat'l defense, analysts say

NEWLY ELECTED SENATORS in the Philippines are expected to play key roles in the country’s agriculture policy, trade, and national defense among others, analysts said separately.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Adrian H. Halili Reporters

Returning Senator Francis Pancratius “Kiko” N. Pangilinan is seen as a likely advocate for agriculture-centered diplomacy, leveraging his long-standing commitment to boosting the sector’s competitiveness, according to Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a diplomacy lecturer at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.

His legislative focus is expected to include efforts to strengthen agri-trade partnerships and integrate technological advancements to modernize farming, a sector critical to rural livelihoods but still lagging regional counterparts, he added.

The elections were widely seen as a referendum on the administration’s performance, particularly its economic and foreign policy direction. The results indicated a partial shift in voter sentiment, with a mixed slate of administration allies and opposition figures winning Senate seats.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday proclaimed the twelve new lawmakers, with Mr. Pangilinan placing fifth in the tight race, with over 15.34 million votes.