Vice Ganda endorses Benhur Abalos for senator
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MANIL:A. Philippines – Senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos, a seasoned public servant who previously served as DILG Secretary, MMDA chairman, and long-time mayor of Mandaluyong, received an unexpected boost this week from one of the country’s most influential entertainers, Vice Ganda, who publicly endorsed his Senate bid in a social media post.
In a short online video that quickly went viral—amassing 11.7 million views in less than 24 hours—comedian and television personality Vice Ganda, whose real name is Jose Marie Viceral, declared: “Kesa naman yung mga walang kwenta ang pumasok sa Top 12. Dito na ‘ko…” The message was accompanied by an image of Abalos.
Vice Ganda, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, has used her platform in recent years to advocate for responsible voting.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto endorses Senate bet Benhur Abalos during a rally in Batangas City. Also backing Abalos is Recto’s wife, former Batangas Governor Vilma Santos (not in photo).
Among the priorities of Abalos, if elected senator, are removing VAT on electricity and fuel for power generation, strengthening the National Food Authority by amending the Rice Tariffication Law, pushing for job security benefits for contractual workers, and protecting municipal waters from commercial fishing.
In a previous episode of her noontime program, she reminded viewers about the role of lawmakers: “Legislative. ‘Yan yung branch ng Kongreso at Senado. Ang trabaho talaga nila ay gumawa ng batas. Kaya dapat ang iboboto natin sa Kongreso at Senado ay yung gagawa ng batas, yung may alam na gumawa ng batas at may planong gumawa ng batas.”
Former Vice President Leni Robredo had recently expressed her support for Abalos during his recent visit to Naga City.
“Matagal ko na siyang kaibigan. Naging mayor siya ng Mandaluyong sa matagal na panahon. Naging DILG Secretary siya. Magaling na DILG Secretary, pareho sila ni Jesse. Hindi siya madaldal, pero walang tigil sa pagtulong,” Robredo said.
She called on the people of Naga to vote for Abalos, recognizing his dedication and competence.
His fellow senatorial candidates in the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas also endorsed Abalos’ senatorial bid.
Former DSWD secretary Erwin Tulfo said that no member of their team should be left behind, highlighting the solid experience and public service records of both Abalos and his fellow candidate, Sen. Francis Tolentino.
The Alyansa para sa Pagbabago senatorial candidates during a press conference in Batangas City
Makati Mayor Abby Binay emphasized that the Senate is a collegial body that thrives on collaboration, stating, “Hindi po pwedeng ako lang, kailangan kami.”
Former Senator Panfilo Lacson also vouched for the strong qualifications of Abalos and Tolentino, encouraging voters not to waste the opportunity to elect highly capable leaders.
Their united front underscored Alyansa’s mission to bring seasoned, principled, and people-centered leadership to the Senate.
Former Senate President Tito Sotto stressed the importance of working together, particularly backing Senatorial candidates Benhur Abalos and Francis Tolentino, saying, “Kailangang-kailangan natin si Sen. Tolentino doon, kasama si Sen. Abalos at kaming lahat.”
The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Vice Mayors’ League, League of Cities, the Philippines Councillors’ League, and Liga ng mga Barangay – National also endorsed Abalos’ senatorial bid.
Similarly, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) endorsed Abalos, stressing that his leadership record speaks for itself.
“Bilang dating presidente ng ULAP, alam niya ang tunay na laban ng mga nasa lokal. Si Benhur Abalos ang tunay na kasangga ng LGUs,” ULAP said in a statement.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon also lent his voice to Abalos’ campaign, highlighting his competence and experience.
“Mga kababayan, iboto natin si Benhur Abalos para sa Senado. Siya ang tutulong sa pag-unlad ng ating lungsod at lalawigan. Numero uno sa Senado!” said Drilon.
Abalos answers questions from reporters
These endorsements follow a wave of support from local leaders across the country, including all the governors of Central Luzon and key political figures from Surigao del Sur, Iloilo Province, Iloilo City, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, as well as several provinces in the Solid North, among others.
Actress and comedienne Ai Ai de las Alas, in a social media post reflecting on personal renewal, described Abalos as “my love and my SOLID Senator,” praising him for his stance on women’s rights and social justice.
Actor Jake Cuenca, a Mandaluyong native, hailed Abalos’s urban housing initiatives for low-income families, saying such programs “score ‘Pogi points’” and prove that public service can be deeply transformative.
