Benhur Abalos (Facebook)

Political heavyweights from Central Luzon have publicly expressed their backing of former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benhur Abalos, who is gunning for a Senate seat in the next month's mid-term elections.

With over 7.7 million voters, Central Luzon remains a crucial stronghold for any national candidate—and Abalos has consolidated support from the region’s most powerful governors, lawmakers, and mayors.

Joining forces behind Abalos' Senate bid earlier this week were local executives from Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Among the most fervent supporters was Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, who said of Abalos: “Kung mayroon mang isang nararapat dapat na kandidato na maupo bilang senador, siya yan. Abogado, propesor, naging secretary ng DILG, naging chairman ng MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority)—wala ka nang maipipintas sa kanya.”

(If there’s one candidate truly deserving to become senator, it’s him. A lawyer, a professor, a former DILG Secretary, a former MMDA Chairman—there’s nothing you can hold against him.)

Echoing Ebdane’s remarks, Aurora Governor Reynante Tolentino urged Region 3 residents to unify behind Abalos. “In Region 3, let us all support our Senator Abalos," he said.

From Tarlac, Governor Susan Yap reaffirmed the province’s support. “Senator Abalos has always been a friend of Tarlac. Tarlac promises to deliver the votes for you. Not just in Tarlac, I hope the entire Region 3 unites behind Senator Abalos, a true partner of local government units (LGUs),” she said.

Bulacan 5th district Rep. Boy Cruz, speaking on behalf of all mayors in the province, described Abalos as a dependable partner to local governments. “All the mayors of Bulacan are supporting you. We will do everything we can to help you become number one,” he declared.

Nueva Ecija’s Vice Governor Emmanuel Umali, speaking for Governor Oyie Umali, highlighted the personal connection between Abalos and the province. “Asahan nyo po Senator, alam po namin ang lalawigan ng Nueva Ecija ay inyong probinsiya din po dahil po sa inyong manugang dun sa bayan ng Aliaga.”

(Rest assured, Senator, we know that the province of Nueva Ecija is also your province because of your son-in-law in the town of Aliaga.)

There were also endorsements coming from LGU leaders in Bataan and Pampanga—from governors to municipal mayors—who pledged to carry Abalos' candidacy forward in their localities.

In response, Abalos, a member of the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial ticket, offered his heartfelt thanks to the leaders of Central Luzon. 

“Talagang taus-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyo. Si General Ebdane, kasama ko po siya dati noon. He’s always helped me through time. Governor Susan, maraming salamat sa iyo. Sa grupo ng Tarlac, hindi ko kayo makakalimutan. Governor Tolentino, maraming salamat for the whole group for your kind endorsement.”

(I am truly and wholeheartedly grateful to all of you. General Ebdane, I was with him before. He has always helped me through the years. Governor Susan, thank you very much. To the group from Tarlac, I will never forget you. Governor Tolentino, thank you very much to the whole group for your kind endorsement.)

He also extended his deep gratitude to local leaders in Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Aurora, Nueva Ecija. 

Abalos reiterated his promise to champion legislation that will uplift not only Central Luzon but the entire nation. 

He vowed to work for the removal of VAT on electricity and taxes on petroleum products for power generation, push for comprehensive programs for farmers and their families, and champion the welfare of government job order and contract of service workers by providing gratuity pay and incentives.

He emphasized the urgency of amending the Rice Tariffication Law to strengthen the National Food Authority (NFA), in order to ensure fair pricing for both farmers and consumers. 

He also opposed the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that allowed commercial fishing within the 15-kilometer municipal waters, in the process defending the livelihood of small fisherfolk. Furthermore, he pledged to champion amendments to the Local Government Code in order to empower local governments to better serve their constituents.