Cayetano backs Abalos’ Senate run, citing experience in local governance
Benhur Abalos with Ususan Barangay Captain Marie Marcelino, known in Taguig as the “Wonder Kap,” and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.
MANILA, Philippines – Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano threw her support behind former Mandaluyong mayor and Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos in his bid for the Senate, pointing to his experience in local governance as proof of his readiness for the job.
“Nagsimula po ang ating senador as a local chief executive. Nauunawaan niya po ang mga complexities ng local governance,” said Cayetano, underscoring Abalos’ grasp of grassroots leadership.
(Our senator began as a local chief executive. He understands the complexities of local governance.)
She added, “Ito po ay ilan lang sa mga kadahilanan kung bakit bilang mayor ninyo, ako’y naniniwala magiging epektibong Senador po natin, si Sen. Abalos.”
(These are just some of the reasons why, as your mayor, I believe that Sen. Abalos will be an effective senator.)
Led by Mayor Lani Cayetano, Taguig endorses senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos.
Cayetano assured her constituents of Abalos’ commitment to the city, saying, “Panatag po ang loob ni Mayora Lani Cayetano kay Sen. Abalos po. Maaalagaan niya ang Taguig at mga Taguigeño.” She added that Abalos shares her vision of a dynamic and compassionate city: “Ang mahal nating Siyudad ng Taguig, kaisa po natin siya sa vision natin to create a truly transformative, lively and caring city.”
(Mayor Lani Cayetano has full confidence in Sen. Abalos. She believes he will take good care of Taguig and its people. For our beloved City of Taguig, he stands with us in our vision to create a truly transformative, lively, and caring city.)
Benhur Abalos addresses a packed crowd at the Taguig Convention Center.
Cayetano said she drew inspiration from cities like Mandaluyong, especially during Abalos’ time as mayor. “Lagi po ninyong naririnig sa akin na ang pagsisimula ko bilang Mayor ay halaw sa inspirasyon ng mga lungsod na naunang naging maunlad sa atin,” she said. “Lagi pong nababanggit ni Mayora Lani ang mga kahanga-hangang ginawa sa lokal na Pamahalaan ng Mandaluyong sa ilalim po ng pamamahala ng mga Abalos.”
One key example, she said, was Taguig’s successful nutrition program, which she credited as being modeled after Mandaluyong’s initiatives.
“Ito po ay inspired by the city of Mandaluyong,” Cayetano noted.
In response, Abalos expressed gratitude to Cayetano, vowing to champion legislation that uplifts local governments and addresses national concerns. He reiterated his priorities, including removing VAT on electricity and fuel used for power generation, reforming the Rice Tariffication Law to empower the National Food Authority, providing benefits and job security for contractual workers, and protecting municipal fishing grounds from commercial encroachment.
Abalos has earned support from a wide array of public figures, including former Vice President Leni Robredo, who acknowledged Abalos’ quiet but consistent aid to her hometown. “Matagal ko na siyang kaibigan. Maraming beses siyang bumalik ng Naga para tumulong sa atin, pero tahimik lamang siya. Ngayon ay siya naman ang ating tutulungan,” Robredo said.
Several entertainers topped by Vice Ganda had recently endorsed Abalos.
He has also been endorsed by former Senate President Franklin Drilon and major local government associations, including the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, mayors’ league, the Vice Mayors’ League, barangay’s league, and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.
