Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is not giving up on his bid for the Senate presidency despite reports that his supporters have left him and are throwing their support behind Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s reluctant bid to retain his post as Senate President.

“My decision to pursue the Senate presidency is premised on our desire to push for genuine change for our nation. Hence, for the cause of change and reforms we must push on in trying to secure 13 (votes required to win Senate presidential race),” he said.

Pangilinan also said that he is thanking Enrile for “his continuing commitment to support our bid.”

His statement was issued hours after Enrile, during a weekly Thursday press briefing for Senate reporters, disclosed that several supporters of Pangilinan visited him at the Makati Medical Center last Tuesday that they are now supporting Enrile if he is interested in retaining his post because Pangilinan has difficulty in getting the 13 votes.

Enrile then had an appointment with his cardiologist. (Mario B. Casayuran)