PORAC, Pampanga – Former President and current Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo threw her support behind the senatorial bid of former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos during his visit to the province on Friday, January 24.
Arroyo accompanied Abalos on a tour across key towns in Pampanga, including Porac, Lubao, Sasmuan, Floridablanca, and Guagua. In Porac, Arroyo urged local residents to rally behind Abalos, describing him as a fitting “adoptive son” of the town.
“Ang mga kamag-anak ni Benhur ay taga-rito sa Pampanga. Sana gawin na natin siyang adoptive son ng Porac ngayong darating na eleksyon,” Arroyo said during her speech.
Abalos, the son of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Benjamin Abalos—a key appointee during Arroyo’s presidency—served as Mandaluyong City Mayor before joining the national government.
As DILG Secretary, Abalos played a pivotal role in the controversial extradition of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo from Indonesia over POGO-related issues. He was also involved in efforts leading to the arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Arroyo’s endorsement comes as Abalos seeks to solidify his presence in Central Luzon, a key battleground in the 2025 elections. Bankers, Businessmen join the consultative meetings.
Dizon Family headed by businesswoman Claire Dizon hosted the meeting.