NAGA FOR ABALOS
NAGA CITY — Former Vice President Leni G. Robredo has called on her fellow Nagueños to support the senatorial candidacy of Benhur Abalos Jr., praising the former Mandaluyong mayor and DILG Secretary for his quiet yet dependable assistance to the city over the years.
“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.
She recalled how Abalos repeatedly extended help to Naga in times of need, especially during Typhoon Kristine.
“Nung Bagyong Kristine pabalik-balik siyang nagatabang, ano lang pati, silencio lang na nagtatabang,” she said in local language.
“Tatabangan naman ini pagka sa kanya. Bobotohan natin siya pagka-senador. Kaya po kapag ito ay naging Senador ay siguradong tutulungan nya tayo kaya tutulungan din natin sya,” Robredo emphasized.
The endorsement took place on April 23—Robredo’s birthday—when Abalos visited her in Naga.
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 achievement — 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.
As MMDA chairman, he helped streamline health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Later, as DILG Secretary, he led police reforms and the arrest of high-profile fugitives.
