Former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines – Various transport and urban poor groups have pledged their support for the senatorial bid of former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos. 

Over 300 leaders and members from prominent transport and urban poor groups including  Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, Inc., Stop and Go Transport Coalition, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and Pasang Masda, got together to express solidarity behind Abalos. 

Apart from his years in government, Abalos, a lawyer, also acted as legal counsel to various Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) championing their rights. 

In a recent meeting with Land Transportation Office Chief Vigor Mendoza II, Abalos pushed for the distribution of fuel subsidies to TODA and jeepney drivers. 

Meanwhile last April 4, urban poor groups and grassroots communities held an assembly to solidify their support for Abalos. 

Having a rags to riches story, Abalos said growing up poor is his motivation to seek legislative office, “Ang aking lola ay isang kasambahay, ang lolo ko ay hardinero. Ako’y galing sa daycare ng barangay kaya alam ko ang hirap sa baba.”