Abalos gets endorsement from Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas
Senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. with the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas
The Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (LNB) has officially endorsed former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr.’s senatorial bid.
During their national convention on Tuesday, April 1, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, LNB National President Jessica Gallegos Dy emphasized Abalos’ significant role during his stint as Interior Secretary, noting his recognition of the smallest but most critical unit of local governance — the barangay.
“Nung kayo po ay secretary ng Department of Interior Local Government, binigyan nyo po ng importansya at halaga ang barangay. Ni-recognize niyo ang mga sakripisyo at mgakontribusyon ng ating barangay officials,” Dy said.
(When you were the secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, you gave importance and value to the barangay. You recognized the sacrifices and contributions of our barangay officials.)
“Ngayon na kailangan ninyo po kami, nandito po ang Liga ng mga Barangay para sumuporta sa inyo. Andito lang po kami salikod ninyo,” she added.
(Now that you need us, the Liga ng mga Barangay is here to support you. We are right behind you.)
Abalos, visibly moved by the endorsement, expressed his deep gratitude to barangay leaders across the country for their tireless service to the country.
“Maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng barangay captain ng Pilipinas sa pagsisilbi ninyo sa ating bayan,” he said.
(Thank you very much to all the barangay captains of the Philippines for your service to our nation.)
If elected, Abalos pledged to be a staunch advocate of local governments to empower grassroots governance.
“Pabayaan niyo maging boses ako ng mga lokal na pamahalaan. I-empower ko kayo dahil ang susi sa ating bansa, ang magdadala sa Pilipinas, ay ang barangay system natin,” he said.
(Let me be the voice of the local governments. I will empower you because the key to our nation, the one that will drive the Philippines forward, is our barangay system.)
Senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. with the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas
Abalos has also vowed to push for legislation that will remove VAT on electricity and other taxes on fuel used for power generation to lower electricity costs and attract investors.
The former interior secretary and Mandaluyong City mayor is also eyeing a comprehensive support program for farmers, including accessible loan mechanisms, land tax reductions, expanded crop insurance, and assistance to their children.
He also supports the immediate passage of the National Land Use Bill that seeks to protect agricultural land and promote balanced development.
Abalos said he would file a measure to amend the Rice Tariffication Law to ensure fair support for Filipino rice farmers and strengthen the power of the National Food Authority.
He also champions the rights of public sector workers by advocating gratuity pay for contractual workers in government, many of whom have served for years without job security or benefits.
Abalos said he would maintain strong communication with local leaders.
“I promise you—I will listen, and together we will implement programs because unity is essential for the progress of our nation,” he said.
“Pabayaan nyo na ako tumakbo para ang batas na dapat gawin ay magawa ko. At ang alam kong batas na hindi na-implement nang maayos ay susuriin ko sa pamamagitan ng oversight power ng senado,” he said. “Panahon na dapat umangat ang ating bansa. At yung panahon na yun ay ngayon.”
(Let me run so that I can craft the laws that need to be made. And for the laws that have not been properly implemented, I will review them through the Senate’s oversight power,” he said. “It’s time for our nation to rise. And that time is now.)
Lastly, Abalos urged barangay officials to scrutinize candidates in the upcoming elections.
“Ilang linggo na lang magkaka-eleksyon na. Suriin nyong maigiang magtatahi ng polisiya sa ating bansa. Sayang ang boto kung hindi ang mga tama na iupo natin.”
(Just a few weeks left until the elections. Carefully evaluate those who will craft policies for our country. Don’t waste your vote—let’s elect the right leaders.)
