In a stunning turn of events just days before the May 12, 2025, Philippine Senate election, controversial politician and disbarred lawyer Larry Gadon announced his support for opposition-backed candidates Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.
Gadon, known for his hardline anti-liberal stance and vocal criticism of the Liberal Party, shared his unexpected endorsement in a video posted by @PunchTheLies on X.
The post, captioned “Iboboto ko rin si Bam Aquino at si Kiko Pangilinan…” (I will also vote for Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan), has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, given Gadon’s history of staunch opposition to the very ideals Aquino and Pangilinan represent.
Gadon, currently the Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation under President Bongbong Marcos, has long been a polarizing figure. His online profile highlights his failed senatorial bids in 2016, 2019, and 2022, as well as his notoriety for using vulgar language and labeling opponents as “dilawan”—a derogatory term for Liberal Party supporters.
His past includes a personal grudge against figures appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III, making his support for Aquino and Pangilinan, both Liberal Party stalwarts, a dramatic shift. The “Kiko-Bam” coalition, was notably formed to champion governance reforms and economic recovery, with a focus on food security and agriculture—issues Gadon has rarely aligned with publicly.
The X post quickly garnered attention, amassing varied reactions from netizens. @wittyWOW expressed rare agreement, stating, “Ngayon lang yata ako agree kay Gadon, Bam and Kiko sa senado,” while @trappy_12 humorously noted Gadon’s “character development,” saying, “Hayyy buti naman kahit papaano nagkaroon to ng magandang character development HAHAHA.”
Others, like @jayman6000_, were in disbelief, commenting, “D pa rin ako maka paniwala.”
Meanwhile, @diva_absolute offered gratitude, writing, “MARAMING SALAMAT PO. WE ARE THANKFUL.,” reflecting the optimism among KiBam supporters.
However, not all reactions were positive—@Mar2Laurence sarcastically remarked, “Dahil sa’yo nagbago isip ko iboto sila!!,” hinting at lingering skepticism about Gadon’s motives.
Gadon’s endorsement, coming so close to election day, raises questions about its impact on undecided voters.
Whether this marks a genuine shift in Gadon’s ideology or a strategic move remains to be seen, but it has undeniably added a new layer of intrigue to the 2025 Senate race.
JE C.C.
