Former Vice President Leni G. Robredo and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos . Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — Former Vice President Leni G. Robredo formally raises the hand of former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos calling on her fellow Naguenos to support his senatorial candidacy.
“Matagal na po natin siyang kaibigan, naging Mayor sya ng Mandaluyong ng matagal na panahon, naging DILG Secretary po sya. Isang napakagaling na DILG Secretary at naging MMDA Chairman at ngayon ay tumatakbong kandidato bilang Senador,” Robredo said about Abalos.
In a statement, Robredo recalled how Abalos repeatedly extended help to Naga when Typhoon Kristine ravaged the Bicol region in 2024.
“Nung Bagyong Kristine pabalik-balik siyang nagatabang, ano lang pati, silencio lang na nagtatabang,” she said in the local language. (“He came here several times to help. He did it quietly, but he always helped.”)
“Kaya po kapag ito ay naging Senador ay siguradong tutulungan niya tayo kaya tutulungan din natin sya,” Robredo emphasized. (“That’s why if he becomes senator, he will surely help us, so we should also help him.”)
The endorsement took place on April 23 during Robredo’s birthday when Abalos visited her in Naga.
Meanwhile, former Senator Manny Pacquiao also earned Robredo’s support despite being rivals in the 2022 presidential elections. The reelectionist lawmaker quoted the former vice president for saying “We will always be behind Manny Pacquiao.”
The boxing champ highlighted Robredo’s statement of how he has helped Naga.
Robredo had earlier endorsed the Senate bids of running mates of longtime allies, Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.
Pangilinan was Robredo’s running mate in 2022 whereas Aquino served as her campaign manager.
Like her late husband Jesse Robredo—a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee—Abalos also served both as mayor and Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.
Robredo also recently visited the Mandaluyong Cemetery of Life, a project built under Abalos’ leadership. She described it as a model of dignity and compassion, and said she hopes to replicate the concept in Naga.
In response, Abalos expressed deep appreciation for Robredo’s endorsement and promised to represent the hopes of Bicolanos in the Senate. He highlighted his achievements: transforming Mandaluyong into an “Economic Tiger City,” establishing Project TEACH for children with disabilities (recognized by the United Nations), pushing in-city housing projects, and developing a modern public cemetery.
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