Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III (left), Makati City Mayor Abby Binay (Mayor Binay's office)

Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Makati City Mayor Abby Binay continues to consolidate support from local officials roughly a month to go before the May 12 mid-term elections.

On Thursday, April 10, Binay formally gained the support of Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III during a courtesy call at The Bunker--the provincial government center and business hub at the Capitol Compound in Balanga City.

In his endorsement speech, Garcia acknowledged Binay’s legislative experience as congresswoman of Makati’s second district for nine years prior to serving as Makati Mayor for the past nine years.

Garcia also said Makati’s innovative programs continue to inspire emulation by the provincial government and other local government units (LGUs) of Bataan.

"We have long admired Makati's programs, since the time of then Mayor Jojo Binay. We continue to strive to replicate its best practices here in Bataan," Garcia said in Filipino.

In response, Binay thanked Garcia and other local leaders of Bataan for their support and assured them of her commitment to be their voice in the Senate.

Thee Alyansa bet was also subsequently endorsed by mayoral candidate Mylyn Pineda- Cayabyab of San Fernando, Pampanga during her visit to the latter's Team My Love San Fernando headquarters Thursday.

During her sorties, Binay vowed to push for the legislation of a new Local Government Code that would promote better governance at the grassroots and provide the recognition and compensation due them.

"One of my priorities is the legislation of a completely new local government code. Hindi na pwede iyong 1991 Local Government Code. Sobrang luma na (The 1991 Local Government Code won't do. It's too old)," she said.

Binay also reiterated her advocacy for improved healthcare including free maintenance medicines; better quality of education through greater focus on early childhood education; and tax-free overtime pay, bonuses, and incentives for workers in government and the private sector. 

Other Bataan officials who welcomed Binay included Vice Governor Maria Cristina Garcia, 3rd district Rep. Maria Angela Garcia, Balanga City Mayor Francis Garcia, and Orion Mayor Antonio Raymundo Jr., chairman of the League of Municipalities (LMP)-Bataan Chapter. 

Bataan Board Members Noel Joseph Valdecañas, Roman Harold Espeleta, Jorge Estanislao, Angelito Sunga, and Romano Del Rosario were also present.

They were joined by Samal Mayor Alexander Acuzar, Abucay Mayor Ruben Tagle, Pilar Mayor Carlos Pizarro, Jr., Limay Mayor Richie David, Dalupihan Mayor German Santos, Jr., Bagac Vice Mayor Ron del Rosario, Mariveles Mayor Ace Concepcion, and Morong Vice Mayor Leila Linao-Muñoz. Pusong Pinoy Party-list Rep. Jett Nisay was also present.