MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Each year in the United States, The White House “pardons” a couple of turkeys, saving the lucky birds from ending up on the Thanksgiving dinner table of Americans.

Turkeys are not a big thing in the Philippines, but pigs are. Think lechon which is a must in family dinners and get togethers during the holidays and special occasions.

Enter Senator Franklin Drilon.

He is proposing that the Presidential Palace (Malacañang) does a similar pardon for pigs during all major Philippine holidays — from Christmas to New Year to Easter, down to town fiestas.

Drilon’s proposal comes right on the heels of a pork crisis being experienced by Filipinos due to short supply, and the African Swine Fever (ASF). President Duterte recently ordered the implementation of a price ceiling for pork and chicken.

Drilon told The Adobo Chronicles that a Malacañang pig pardon will be a symbolic gesture to show our appreciation and recognition of the all-important sacrificial role pigs play in the daily lives of Filipinos.