Former Senate President Franklin Drilon (left), Benhur Abalos (Facebook)

Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial bet Benhur Abalos thanked former Senate President Franklin Drilon on Thursday, March 20 for his endorsing his candidacy ahead of the May 12 polls.

"Isang malaking karangalan ang inyong suporta! Sama-sama nating isusulong ang Tamang Desisyon at Mabilis na Aksyon sa Senado para sa mas maunlad na mga siyudad at probinsya!" Abalox wrote on Facebook in response to Drilon.

(Your support is a huge honor! Together, we will pursue correct decisions and quick actions in the Senate for a more progressive cities and provinces!)

In his message to fellow Ilonggos, Drilon said Abalos will be instrumental in pursuing programs and projects that will sustain and further ensure the progress not only of Iloilo City but also the entire Western Visayas.

“Mga kababayan, ibot natin si Benhur Abalos para sa Senado. Makakatulong siya sa patuloy na pag-asenso ng ating siyudad at ng ating probinsya. Number one sa senado,” said Drilon.

(My countrymen, let's vote for Benhur Abalos for senator. He can help with the continued improvement of our city and province. Number one in the Senate.)

Drilon said Abalos, a former Mandaluyong City mayor has proven his worth as a public servant over the years.

The Alyansa bet also expressed his appreciation to Drilon for his pieces of advice relating to politics and public service. He added that he frequently visited the former senator whenever he would go to Iloilo City.

Abalos said he always looked up to Drilon, whom he called one of his inspirations to run for senator.

Known as "The Big Man" of the Senate, Drilon is one of the longest-serving senators of the country. He became Senate president four times and also served various key posts in the Senate. 

What further earned Filipinos' respect for Drilon was his decision to retire in order to give the new breed of public servants the chance to serve in the upper chamber.