Quiet, consistent and proven public service

As the 2025 midterm elections approach, the political arena grows louder — filled with the clamor of aspirants and re-electionists, each presenting their credentials, platforms and promises.

- JOE ZALDARRIAGA

Social media is abuzz with viral stunts, celebrity endorsements and even celebrity candidates. Amid this spectacle, it's easy to overlook the steady, unfaltering public servants — the quiet and consistent workhorses who deliver real results without chasing the spotlight. Benhur Abalos Jr. is a standout among them.

A veteran public servant and lawyer, Benhur Abalos brings with him a wealth of experience — he was former mayor of the city of Mandaluyong, chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Now running for Senate under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, part of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition, Abalos offers more than promises — he brings with him a proven track record. One may look at his campaign and understand that it is not built on spectacle, but on substance: a clear, grounded platform that tackles the real needs of everyday Filipinos.

Take for example the programs he pioneered in terms of housing. Abalos' housing legacy in Mandaluyong is concrete proof of his commitment to inclusive development. Under his leadership, the city implemented a housing model that provided over 7,000 families with affordable homes, with monthly amortizations ranging from P1,500 to P1,800. This is a remarkable feat in Metro Manila's housing market, where even the smallest units can cost 10 times as much.