NAGA CITY, Philippines — Former Vice President Leni Robredo has endorsed the senatorial bids of Benhur Abalos and Manny Pacquiao, both of whom are running under the administration slate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former rival in the 2022 presidential race.
The announcement was made during Robredo’s 60th birthday celebration in Naga City, where Abalos, a longtime friend, personally visited her. Robredo praised Abalos for his public service as former Mandaluyong mayor, DILG secretary, and MMDA chairman.
“We will help him because he has been helping Naga for the longest time, especially during Typhoon Kristine,” Robredo told supporters.
Support for Abalos Rooted in Longstanding Ties to Naga
Robredo emphasized that Abalos’s consistent support for Naga City, especially in times of crisis, earned her personal backing.
“He is my friend… now running for senator. It’s only fitting that we support him,” she said.
Robredo also expressed confidence that Abalos would continue to support the city if elected.
Pacquiao Also Receives Endorsement
In a separate statement, former Senator Manny Pacquiao confirmed Robredo’s endorsement of his Senate comeback bid.
“We will always be behind Manny Pacquiao,” Robredo reportedly told him, according to Pacquiao.
Despite being rivals in the 2022 presidential race, Robredo acknowledged Pacquiao’s past efforts to assist Naga, signaling a move beyond political lines.
Robredo’s Broader Senate Endorsements
Prior to backing Abalos and Pacquiao, Robredo had already endorsed her political allies:
Former Senator Kiko Pangilinan, her 2022 vice-presidential running mate
Former Senator Bam Aquino, her former campaign manager
When asked about Robredo’s support for candidates outside her traditional circle, Pangilinan said:
“That’s her prerogative. What’s important is VP Leni has been helping us ever since.”
Robredo, who is running for Naga City mayor in the 2025 elections, appears focused on local priorities while extending political alliances across party lines.