Abalos secures Cebu backing as Gov. Gwen Garcia endorses his Senate bid
Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia endorses candidacy of senatorial aspirant and former DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos
CEBU – With the official start of the local campaign period Friday, senatorial candidate Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. joined Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and One Cebu officials and candidates in a province-wide caravan across southern Cebu.
Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia raised the hand of Abalos in a show of support during a proclamation rally in Barili, Cebu, where she also endorsed other Alyansa Para sa Pagbabago bets Manny Pacquiao, Senator Bong Revilla, and Senator Francis Tolentino.
Benhur Abalos with other political leaders of One Cebu
Abalos expressed deep gratitude to Garcia and the people of Cebu, saying: “Kaya taus-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa whole team ng One Cebu, sa pangunguna po ng ating napakagaling na Governor Gwen Garcia.”
He praised Cebu’s vital role in national development, calling it a model of growth and progress.
“Cebu is one of the most progressive provinces in the whole country. It is an economic driver in all aspects of performance parating andiyan po ang Cebu,” Abalos said.
Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia endorses Alyansa senatorial candidates in One Cebu proclamation rally.
Abalos emphasized the importance of sustaining Cebu’s growth through effective governance:
“Kaya ang masasabi ko lang, sana may continuity of leadership. Because it speaks for itself. The government speaks for itself. Kaya dapat ituloy ang leadership at ihalal muli si Gov. Gwen at ang buong One Cebu.”
If elected to the Senate, Abalos pledged to prioritize the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity, noting the need to ease the burden of high utility costs on Filipino households and businesses.
Abalos said he had already opposed high electricity charges back in 2005 when he was a congressman. “Nung 2005, ako ay Congressman. Tinayuan ko ito. I am against this dahil tataas ang kuryente. Mawawala yung mga factory na may kinalaman sa kuryente,” he said.
The former interior secretary and Mandaluyong City mayor is also pushing for the removal of taxes on fuel used exclusively for power generation to lower electricity costs, attract more manufacturing firms, and create jobs for Filipinos.
He also committed to a comprehensive support program for farmers, including accessible loan mechanisms, land tax reductions, expanded crop insurance, and assistance to their children.
Abalos is also pushing for the passage of the National Land Use Act, a measure that will protect agricultural land and promote balanced development. He also said he will file a measure to amend the Rice Tariffication Law to ensure fair support for Filipino rice farmers and empower the National Food Authority.
He also champions the rights of public sector workers by advocating gratuity pay for job order and contract of service workers in government, many of whom have served for years without job security or benefits.
As a former mayor and DILG secretary, Abalos underscored his belief that empowering local governments is key to real progress. He will champion much-needed amendments to the Local Government Code.
He also called for a dedicated portion of the government’s housing programs to be allocated specifically for overseas Filipino workers and their families.
