09/05/2025
DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE OF UNDERESTIMATING ATTY. BENHUR ABALOS
To frame him merely as someone who ended up at the "tail end of surveys" is not just shortsighted—it’s politically naïve. Benhur Abalos is not some weak candidate tagging along for a ride. He is a public servant with a SOLID track record, proven leadership, and a deeper grasp of governance than many names being hyped in this race.
Track record matters.
Abalos was at the helm of the MMDA during some of the toughest periods in Metro Manila—handling disaster response, urban traffic management, and pandemic mobility policies under immense pressure. Before that, he was a multi-term mayor of Mandaluyong who transformed his city into a business hub. This isn’t a man of mere promises—he’s a man of results.
If we're going to talk about loyalty and sacrifice—wasn’t Abalos among the first to stand by the Marcos-Duterte alliance in 2022? He managed ground operations, gave strategic muscle to the campaign, and helped bridge two strong political forces. He stood firm not just for BBM, but for the administration’s unity and vision. He earned his place—not by noise, but by action.
Let’s not rewrite history just because surveys shift.
Some people who are underestimating him are turning him into an underdog in this election. And in the Philippines, that alone is reason enough to believe he’ll come out strong. Filipinos love a good underdog story—someone who rises against the odds, quietly works hard, and then surprises everyone when it counts. That’s exactly who Benhur Abalos is right now.
If Duterte supporters are being praised for standing by their bets despite the odds, then the same standard should apply to those who value competence, consistency, and real work. Abalos isn’t a cult figure—and that’s his strength. He doesn’t rely on theatrics. He brings governance experience, legal acumen, and calm in chaos. While others scream and polarize, he gets the job done.
We must ask ourselves: are we electing celebrities and symbols, or are we choosing competent lawmakers?
In the end, Benhur Abalos is not running for attention—he’s running to serve. And that is why he should not be underestimated—not by the opposition, not by his critics, and especially not by his own allies. He is one of the few candidates whose work can truly speak for itself. And in the eyes of the Filipino people, that—combined with the underdog spirit—might just be the winning formula.
