Bangkok:Philippine Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has advocated for stronger cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines, emphasizing their interconnected security amid escalating tensions with China.

According to Focus Taiwan, Pangilinan highlighted the geographical proximity between the two nations, stating that developments in Taiwan would inevitably impact the Philippines. He made these remarks during an interview in Bangkok, where he was attending the 65th Congress of Liberal International, a gathering of liberal democratic parties from around the globe.

Pangilinan, associated with the Philippines' Liberal Party, underscored the importance of collaboration among liberal democratic parties to counter the global rise of authoritarianism. He pointed to the South China Sea territorial disputes as a flashpoint for tensions between Manila and Beijing, referencing a controversial statement by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, which was perceived as a threat by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

In light of a 2016 arbitral ruling supporting the Philippines' maritime rights, Pangilinan reiterated the necessity of upholding these rights under international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He also encouraged closer ties between Taiwan and the Philippines in various sectors, such as democratic governance and semiconductors, and suggested Taiwanese investment in the Philippines to create jobs for returning Filipino workers from Taiwan's semiconductor industry.

Additionally, Pangilinan praised Taiwan's efforts against disinformation, noting the adoption of strategies from Taiwan's NGOs and volunteers in his Senate campaign. Looking towards the 2028 presidential election, he mentioned the Liberal Party's efforts to persuade former Vice President Leni Robredo to run, believing she could unite a coalition for good governance.