Former Vice President Leni Robredo endorsed the senatorial bid of former Interior Secretary and Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas candidate Benhur Abalos, praising his track record for public service particularly his quiet yet dependable assistance to Naga City over the years.
“He (Abalos) 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,” Robredo told her constituents as she introduced Abalos.
She recalled how Abalos repeatedly extended help to Naga in times of need, especially during Typhoon Kristine. “He came here several times to help. He did it quietly, but he always helped,” she said in Bicolano.
“Let’s support him in his candidacy. We will vote for him in his bid for the Senate,” Robredo added. “If he becomes senator, he will surely help us, so we should also help him.”
The endorsement took place on April 23—Robredo’s birthday—when Abalos visited her in Naga.
Like her late husband Jesse Robredo—a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee—Abalos also served both as mayor and Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.
Robredo also recently visited the Mandaluyong Cemetery of Life, a project built under Abalos’ leadership. She described it as a model of dignity and compassion, and said she hopes to replicate the concept in Naga.
In response, Abalos expressed deep appreciation for Robredo’s endorsement and promised to represent the hopes of Bicolanos in the Senate.
He 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 Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman, he helped streamline health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, as Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), he led police reforms and the arrest of high-profile fugitives.
Outlining his legislative agenda, Abalos vowed to push for the removal of VAT (value added tax) 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.
He concluded with a message to voters: “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.”
