Jesus is Lord Church endorses Abalos

Alyansa Para sa Pagbabago caps off its campaign in Abalos’ stronghold, Mandaluyong.

MANILA, philippines — Senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos Jr. has secured the endorsement of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church, further strengthening the growing support behind his Senate bid.

Led by Bro. Eddie Villanueva, the group’s support is expected to sway faith-based voters nationwide in favor of Abalos, whose campaign has gained strong momentum in the final stretch.

Based on the SWS survey conducted on May 2 to 6, Abalos garnered 24 percent 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.

Abalos welcomed the support, saying he is committed to pursuing reforms that reflect the concerns of ordinary Filipinos.

“As I continue to gain the trust and support of the Filipino people, I will work tirelessly to push for legislative reforms that address the everyday needs of the people,” he said.

A sea of blue floods Mandaluyong as supporters rally behind Abalos during Alyansa’s final campaign event.

The endorsement from JIL follows public backing from former Vice President Leni Robredo, former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Vice Ganda, and several local government groups and industry leaders.

Abalos laid out some of his legislative agenda such as reducing the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity, expanding affordable housing, and providing direct assistance to farmers.

A staunch advocate for housing, Abalos highlighted his experience as former mayor of Mandaluyong, where he spearheaded the construction of 7,700 housing units for informal settlers. His housing project provided permanent homes to families living along railway tracks, ensuring they were relocated safely and with dignity.

For the agricultural sector, Abalos vowed to expand government support for farmers, real property tax (RPT) discount for farmers, and scholarship for children of farmers and fisherfolk.

He is also pushing to amend the Rice Tariffication Law to restore the power of National Food Authority to buy palat from the farmers and sell it to the market, even without a declaration of an emergency or spoilage.

Other priorities include securing job benefits for contractual workers, protecting municipal waters from overfishing and housing allocation for overseas Filipino workers and their families in the Philippines. /cb

Abalos addresses the crowd during the final campaign rally in Mandaluyong.