Abalos gains strong support from entertainment industry

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Senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos received a boost in his campaign as prominent figures from the Philippine entertainment industry voiced their support.

Senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos (second from left) gets support from industry pillars (from left) Regal Entertainment EVP Keith Monteverde, Mowelfund chairman Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo, and Regal Entertainment CEO Roselle Monteverde. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

The show of endorsement took place during a press conference attended by film producers, actors, and creatives, including Regal Films' Keith and Roselle Monteverde and Mowelfund Chairman Boots Anson-Rodrigo who all cited his proven track record in public service and his consistent collaboration with the film community.

Keith Monteverde shared, "I haven't been in the Philippines for a long time now but in my time here, I've gotten to know him, what he stands for, and I know if given the opportunity, will continue to do great things."

Roselle echoed this and shared how grounded their family's legacy is in the film industry and their patriotic values.

"My mother has been very loyal to her country. She poured her heart to really help the movie industry. At the same time, she loves this country — that's why we always help deserving candidates during elections," she said.

"That's why I'm here, not just for myself but hopefully for the entire country — to urge everyone to think carefully about who they vote for, someone with a genuine heart to serve," she continued.

"We encourage you to help endorse the person who should lead in the Senate, and that's Benhur Abalos. He has been helping even back when he served in the MMDA and DILG, and we know he can do a lot more for the country and the industry," she added.

For her part, veteran actress and longtime industry leader Boots Anson-Rodrigo, who rarely steps into political matters, shared why she's publicly supporting Abalos.

"There have long been requests for me to endorse candidates, but this is the first time I am personally endorsing one, because I truly believe in him. I've seen how he works. Through the DILG and especially through the MMDA, that's where his relevance to the industry comes in," she said.

Anson-Rodrigo also recalled working on a biographical project about Abalos in late 2024 which helped her further believe in his character and leadership.

"When TV stations were still allowed to air stories and advocacies of candidates, we produced a biography about his youth and service. Going through the script and rehearsals reaffirmed my belief in him. That script showed how he was raised and how he served. I deeply admire his parents. Like father, like son. His parents' track record and the way they raised him are commendable," she said.

Abalos expressed gratitude and acknowledged his difficult start in the race.

"I started at No. 35 [in the surveys. I'm the kind of person who will do everything to achieve my goal. Over time, I moved up to 25, then 20. Sometimes you hear questions like, 'Why are you running, you're in the last place?' But if you believe in yourself and your goals, that's all that matters. That's been the story of my life," he shared.

Abalos cited recent survey gains, noting a six-point jump in SWS and a strong showing in Pulse Asia despite lacking political machinery.

He also noted endorsements from Senate President Franklin Drilon, former Vice President Leni Robredo, and actor-host Vice Ganda.

"I was surprised by Vice's support. He doesn't endorse easily — he's very meticulous and selective. I'm really thankful. Imagine, his video on his page has 17 million views," Abalos said.

"It's a simple 30-second video, very catchy. I was surprised, but in that short moment, it caught people's attention and gave them a second look at who I am," he added.

Other celebrities such as Jake Cuenca, Ai Ai de las Alas, Priscilla Meirelles, Bea Santiago, and his relative Jason Abalos also created content supporting his candidacy.

Reflecting on his ties to the film community, Abalos reaffirmed his commitment to championing the industry.

"I've been working with the film industry for so many years now. That's why Tita Boots and I became close, especially during Covid, when the industry needed vaccines. This isn't just a promise — I've already acted on my advocacy. One day, I want to see our film industry rise with proper government support and subsidies, because that's the only way," he said.

"Think about it — during Covid, people were still producing films even though there was no audience. It's all for the love and passion for the industry. We must recognize that, and the government should step in. Other countries do it. What we've done before, we will turn into law. My record will speak for itself," he said.

Also present at the press conference were MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, actor Nico Antonio, actress Phoebe Walker, and director Perci Intalan.