Senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. clinched key endorsements from political heavyweights in Surigao del Sur, strengthening his campaign in the vote-rich Caraga region ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.
Governor Alexander Pimentel, Representative Johnny Pimentel, Vice Governor Manuel Alameda, and members of the Hugpong Surigao slate declared full support for Abalos during a recent visit in the province.
“Leadership is service, not power,” Abalos told local officials, as he traced his public career from transforming Mandaluyong into an “Economic Tiger City” to leading national efforts on pandemic response, police reform, and social protection.
“We initiated in Mandaluyong Project TEACH, a program for children with disabilities that won international recognition from the United Nations.”
He recalled initiating Project TEACH, a program for children with disabilities that won international recognition from the United Nations, and cited how he built a modern Mandaluyong public cemetery.
Abalos also recounted his time at the helm of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority during the COVID-19 crisis, where he coordinated health protocols across 17 cities.
As Interior Secretary, he launched internal cleansing efforts within the Philippine National Police and helped lead the capture of high-profile fugitives.
In Surigao del Sur, Abalos praised local leaders for reducing insurgency through governance and infrastructure, pointing to Surigao as a model of inclusive leadership.
The former MMDA chair also laid out his Senate platform, which includes abolishing the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity, amending the Rice Tariffication Law to better support Filipino farmers, and extending the terms and benefits of barangay officials.
Key attendees at the dialogue included Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay, Vice Mayor Shem Garay, members of the city council, and candidates under Hugpong Surigao, who pledged to rally grassroots support for Abalos across the province.
“Napakahalaga ng ating pagpili sapagkat sila ang uukit ng mga batas at may gagampanang mahalagang tungkulin sa susunod na anim na taon.”
“Napakahalaga ng ating pagpili sapagkat sila ang uukit ng mga batas at may gagampanang mahalagang tungkulin sa susunod na anim na taon,” Abalos said.
“Let’s look at their accomplishments and legislative agenda na makakatulong sa pag-unlad ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he concluded, reminding voters of the gravity of the upcoming elections.
