Benhur Abalos is biggest gainer in SWS final senatorial survey
Former Vice President Leni Robredo endorses Benhur Abalos Jr.’s senatorial bid
Senatorial candidate Atty. Benhur Abalos Jr. posted the largest gain in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, rising from 17 percent in March to 24 percent in May—an impressive 7-point surge.
The sharp rise reflects growing support for the former interior secretary and award-winning mayor of Mandaluyong City, who has drawn endorsements from respected public figures.
Based on the SWS survey conducted on May 2 to 6, Abalos garnered 24% in voting preference, which inched him closer to the winning circle.
He was also in the 10-20 range in the April 20-24 survey of Octa Research.
The spike in his numbers has coincided with high-profile endorsements from former Vice President Leni Robredo and TV host Vice Ganda.
Vice Ganda endorses Benhur Abalos.
“He 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 said in Bicolano.
“We will help him because he has long been helping us here in Naga, especially during Typhoon Kristine. He came here several times to help. He did it quietly, but he always helped.”
“Let’s support him in his candidacy. We will vote for him in his bid for the Senate,” she added.
Vice Ganda also took to social media to back Abalos, posting a photo with the caption, “Kesa naman ‘yung mga walang kuwenta ang pumasok sa Top 12. Dito na ‘ko.”
(Rather than those useless ones making it into the Top 12, I’ll go with this one.)
Abalos with supporters in one of his campaign sorties
Backing from former Senate President Franklin Drilon, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the mayors’ league, the Vice Mayors’ League, councillors, and barangay captains has further strengthened Abalos’ campaign, framing him as a serious contender with broad institutional support.
At the top of his agenda is the removal of value-added tax on electricity and fuel used for power generation to reduce utility costs for millions of households and allow small businesses to thrive.
He also pledged to amend the Rice Tariffication Law to restore the role of the National Food Authority not only to directly buy palay from farmers but sell them in the market, even without emergencies.
Equally urgent, Abalos said, is the need to safeguard municipal fishing grounds from commercial encroachment, ensuring that coastal communities can continue to earn a living and contribute to the country’s food security.
Abalos also vowed to prioritize housing, both for low-income urban families and for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning home.
“Mas lalo pong tumitindi ang pagnanais kong mapaglingkurankayo sa Senado. I submit myself. Mahirap man ang trabaho, nakahanda po akong gawin ito para sa inyo. Kayo ang magsisilbing lakas at inspirasyon ko. Samahan ninyo ako patungo sa ating tagumpay,” Abalos said in a video message posted on his Facebook page.
(My desire to serve you in the Senate grows even stronger. I submit myself. Though the job may be difficult, I am ready to take it on for you. You will be my strength and inspiration. Join me on the path to our victory.)
