Former Interior Secretary and senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos Jr. vowed to champion policies that protect and empower Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), assuring them that he understands their struggles and will fight for their rights.
Speaking before a packed crowd of OFWs recently, Abalos expressed deep gratitude for their unwavering support and pledged to push for legislation that uplifts the lives of Filipinos both abroad and in the Philippines.
“Mga kababayan ko dito sa Hong Kong, tandaan ninyo, iisang pamilya tayo. Inaalay ko ang sarili ko sa inyo,” Abalos said.
Hong Kong is home to over 140,000 Filipino migrant workers, most of whom are domestic workers. While they provide for their families back home, many face challenges such as labor exploitation, lack of legal protection, and high placement fees.
Abalos reminded the OFWs that despite life's challenges, there is always hope and a way forward.
“Mga kasama, tandaan ninyo ito. Walang taong walang problema at walang problemang walang solusyon. Whether we like it or not, iisang bangka tayo. Matanda, bata, lalaki, babae—henerasyon natin ito. Tandaan niyo yan, walang imposible,” he said.
Abalos also highlighted the importance of preserving Filipino values, no matter where they are in the world.
“Ang katangian na dadalhin mo bilang Pilipino, maski saan sa mundo, dadalhin mo talaga dahil proud ka to be a Filipino dahil gusto mong lumaki ang anak mo na makatao, maka-Diyos. At lalo-lalo na, alam niya sagrado ang buhay ng tao,” he emphasized.
One of the priority pieces of legislation Abalos will push through, if elected, is lowering electricity costs by scrapping value-added tax on electricity, which he believes will open doors for more investments and job opportunities in the country.
“Uunahin ko ang pagpapababa ng kuryente sa bayan. Tayo ang pangalawa sa pinakamahal na kuryente. Kapag natanggal ang buwis diyan, bababa ang kuryente at dadami ang negosyo, dadami ang trabaho, at marami pang ibang benepisyo,” he explained.
Abalos has been consistent in his stand against VAT on electricity. During the 13th Congress, Abalos, who was then a congressman, opposed the imposition of VAT on electricity and petroleum products, arguing that it would have severe inflationary impact and only add to the financial burden of Filipino consumers.
After the e-VAT’s passage, Abalos immediately filed a joint resolution declaring a two-year moratorium period on the lifting of exemptions of petroleum products and generation companies from the coverage of VAT.
With over 30 years in public service, Abalos underscored the importance of making bold decisions, even when unpopular, if they serve the greater good.
“May mga pagkakataong dapat gumawa ka ng mga matatapang na desisyon. Kahit alam mong hindi popular, pero alam mong mas tama ang gagawin mo,” he said. “May mga pagkakataong tatayo ka, maski mag-isa ka na lang. Pero kailangang tindigan mo para protektahan ang mga inaapi.” PR
