Benhur Abalos (center) and members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Laguna Chapter (Contributed photo)

Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos has gained another boost to his campaign with the endorsement of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Laguna Chapter.

During a campaign sortie on Tuesday, April 8, LMP Laguna Chapter President and Mayor of Pakil, Edgardo “Egay” Ramos, led their fellow mayors in expressing their full support for Abalos’ senatorial bid. 

Laguna has an estimated two million voter for the May 12 mid-term elections.  

League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Laguna Chapter President and Mayor of Pakil, Edgardo “Egay” Ramos, led fellow mayors in expressing full support for Abalos’ senatorial bid. 

Abalos personally thanked the local chief executives for standing behind his candidacy. 

Among the mayors who pledged support were Mayor Lorenzo Rellosa of Famy, Mayor Al Reyes of Mabitac, Mayor Patrick Go of Siniloan, Mayor Ronald Cosico of Paete, Mayor Gerald Aritao of Pangil, Mayor Arrantle Arroyo of Cavinti, Mayor Romeo Amorado of Majayjay, Mayor Elmor Vita of Nagcarlan, Mayor Joe Monleon of Liliw, Mayor Rolly Ubatay of Lumban, Mayor Sandee Laganapan of Kalayaan, Mayor Jomapher Alvarez of Luisiana, Mayor Glenn Flores of Alaminos, and Mayor Ocel Caratihan of Calauan.

Abalos laid down the legislative agenda that he vowed to pursue for Laguna and the entire nation if elected to the Senate. 

He underscored the urgency of removing value-added tax (VAT) on electricity and the taxes on petroleum products used for power generation. 

“Twenty years ago, there really was no VAT on electricity. I was a congressman then, and when we were discussing it, I already opposed it—for the same reason we’re seeing now - the high cost of electricity. So if you just scrap the VAT on electricity, I’m telling you, prices will go down, factories will come in, and life will get better for all of us. That’s the first thing I’ll file. I promise you that,” said the administration bet.

The former Mandaluyong City mayor also committed to push for gratuity and incentives for job order and contract of service workers in government, who have long served without security or benefits. 

In addition, he vowed to advance a comprehensive support program for farmers,ensuring access to affordable credit, expanded crop insurance, tax relief, and educational support for their children. 

Abalos says he also strongly supports the passage of the National Land Use Act to protect farmlands from premature conversion and guarantee long-term food security. 

Moreover, the former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary is determined to amend the Rice Tariffication Law to give the National Food Authority (NFA) more power and funding to buy rice directly from farmers and sell it at fair prices to the public, ensuring both farmers and consumers benefit.

At the provincial level, Abalos paid close attention to pressing local concerns, particularly the problems regarding Laguna de Bay. 

He acknowledged the low water level crisis affecting fisherfolk, aggravated by the floating solar project in the lake, which has disrupted traditional fishing areas. 

Abalos proposed that local leaders and technical experts collaborate through the Local and Regional Development Councils to develop a concrete plan of action. 

“What’s important here is for the mayors to talk, for the technical people to talk, and to bring this into the Local Development Council and the Regional Development Council. And most importantly, this output should immediately serve as the blueprint for Laguna de Bay,” he added.