Leni Robredo gives final push for Abalos’ Senate run

Benhur Abalos and Leni Robredo
NAGA CITY — Former Vice President Leni Robredo gave a strong final push to the Senate campaign of former Interior secretary and award-winning Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr., endorsing him once more just two days before the election.
“Parati ko pong sinasabi sa kanya how grateful we are sa dami ng tulong na ibinigay niya dito sa lungsod namin. Sa pinakamadilim na kabanata ng buhay namin, nandito siya to help us,” Robredo said, referring to Abalos’ help during Naga’s most difficult times.
Benhur Abalos and Leni Robredo
“Kami po ng buong team namin ay very supportive sa kanya kase alam po namin na kapag nakaupo siya sa Senado, lalong tutulungan niya kami,” she said.
“Matagal ko na po siyang kaibigan at parati siyang bumabalik dito sa Naga para tumulong. Tahimik lang siyang tumutulong pero palagi siyang nandiyan para sa atin,” she said.
Benhur Abalos and Leni Robredo
Robredo’s endorsement, especially in her hometown and the Bicol region, is expected to boost Abalos’ standing among voters.
Abalos responded with a short message: “Thank you so much, Mam!”
Meanwhile, during the Alyansa Para sa Pagbabago’s final rally in Mandaluyong City, Abalos’ bailiwick, the former secretary delivered an inspiring call for unity and action to his fellow Mandaleños.
“Tandaan nyo ito, for every day that we live, what is important is making a difference,” Abalos said.
If elected to the Senate, Abalos vowed to prioritize key legislative reforms that directly address the most pressing needs of the Filipino people, particularly those that impact everyday life.
“Uunahin ko ang kuryente, tatanggalin natin ang VAT sakuryente at tax sa petrolyo na ginagamit sa power generation nang sa ganun ay bumaba ang singil sa kuryente,” he said.
This, he added, would not only lower electricity costs but also attract more investors, create jobs, and improve the standard of living for Filipinos nationwide.
Other priorities include strengthening the National Food Authority, reforming the Rice Tariffication Law, securing job benefits for contractual workers, and protecting municipal waters from overfishing.
“Tulungan nyo ako! Akayan nyo ang anak ninyo! Ipakita natin ang nagawa natin sa Mandaluyong. Kayo ang saksi,” he said, reminding them of the tangible progress that their collective efforts have brought to the city. “Ang importante ay iangat ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Abalos said.