Abalos expresses deep gratitude to HK OFWs, stokes Filipino pride
Senate candidate Benhur Abalos swarmed by OFWs in a recent meeting in Hongkong
HONG KONG – Former Interior Secretary and senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos Jr. received overwhelming support from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong and vowed to champion legislations that will uplift the lives of Filipinos both overseas and in the Philippines.
Speaking before a packed gathering of OFWs, Abalos expressed his deep gratitude to the Filipino community in Hong Kong for their unwavering trust and support.
Hong Kong is home to over 140,000 Filipino migrant workers, most of whom are household service workers.
While they provide for their families back home, many face challenges such as labor exploitation, lack of legal protection, and high placement fees.
Senatorial aspirant Benhur Abalos joins OFWS in Hong Kong, listening to their concerns and encouraging them to take pride in their heritage
“Mga kababayan ko dito sa Hong Kong, tandaan ninyo, iisang pamilya tayo. Inaalay ko ang sarili ko sa inyo,” Abalos said. ( My countrymen here in Hongkong, We are one family , I offer myself to you)
Article continues after this advertisementAbalos reminded the OFWs that despite life’s challenges, there is always hope and a way forward.
Article continues after this advertisement“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.
(Remember, we all have problems but there are always solutions. This is our generation, young or old, men or women. Nothing is inpossible)
Abalos assured OFWs that he understands their struggles and will work towards policies that protect and empower OFWs.
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 trait we carry as Filipinos everywhere in the world is being proud to raise our children as humanitarian and Godly. And more important is that one person’s life is sacred)
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. (I will prioritize lowering the costs of electricity, and if this happens, the economy will grow, jobs will multiply and there will be lots of benefits.)
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.”
( There are moments one must make brave decisions, even if unpopular but is the right thing to do. in those moments you must stand even if alone, to protect the interests of the oppressed.)
