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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abalos gains Robredo's endorsement as polls near

Abalos gains Robredo's endorsement as polls near

Published Apr 24, 2025 02:16 am

At A Glance

  • Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos has gained the coveted endorsement of former Vice President Leni Robredo just over two weeks to go before the mid-term elections.

received_1044361871085920.jpegFormer vice president Leni Robredo (left), Benhur Abalos (Abalos' office)

Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos has gained the coveted endorsement of former Vice President Leni Robredo just over two weeks to go before the mid-term elections.

The endorsement took place as Abalos--a former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman--visited Robredo in Naga City on Wednesday, April 23, on the occasion of the latter's birthday.

“Matagal na po natin siyang kaibigan, naging mayor sya ng Mandaluyong ng matagal na panahon, naging DILG secretary po sya. Isang napakagaling na DILG secretary at naging MMDA chairman at ngayon ay tumatakbong kandidato bilang Senador,” Robredo said.

(He has been our friend for a long time, served as mayor of Mandaluyong for many years, became DILG secretary—a very good one—and also served as MMDA chairman. Now he’s running for senator.)

She recalled how Abalos repeatedly extended help to Naga in times of need, especially during Typhoon "Kristine".

“Nung Bagyong Kristine pabalik-balik siyang nagatabang, ano lang pati, silencio lang na nagtatabang (He came here several times to help. He did it quietly, but he always helped)," she said in local language.

“Tatabangan naman ini pagka sa kanya. Bobotohan natin siya pagka-senador (Let’s support him in his candidacy. We will vote for him in his bid for the Senate)," she added.

“Kaya po kapag ito ay naging senador ay siguradong tutulungan nya tayo kaya tutulungan din natin siya (That’s why if he becomes senator, he will surely help us, so we should also help him)," Robredo underscored.

Abalos expressed deep appreciation for Robredo’s endorsement and promised to represent the hopes of Bicolanos in the Senate.

"Suriin nating mabuti ang ating mga kandidato. Sa kanilang mga kamay nakasalalay ang ating bansa sa susunod na anim na taon. Suriin, tingnan nating mabuti ang kanilang mga accomplishments at mga plataporma,” he told the crowd.

(Let’s scrutinize our candidates. The future of our country over the next six years lies in their hands. Let’s look closely at their accomplishments and platforms.)

Abalos highlighted his achievements: transforming Mandaluyong into an “Economic Tiger City,” establishing Project TEACH for children with disabilities (recognized by the United Nations), pushing in-city housing projects, and developing a modern public cemetery.

As MMDA chairman, he helped streamline health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, as DILG Secretary, he led police reforms and the arrest of high-profile fugitives.

Outlining his legislative agenda, Abalos vowed to push for the removal of VAT on electricity, amend the Rice Tariffication Law to protect Filipino farmers, the National Land Use Act, oppose commercial fishing within the 15-kilometer municipal waters, and amendments to the Local Government Code, among others.

The mid-term polls will take place on May 12.

Related Tags

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