Abby Binay visits Mindanao, gains endorsement of Zambo Sur governor
By Jan Escosio
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay in a recent campaign in Dipolog City
MANILA, Philippines – Senatorial candidate and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay gained the endorsement of Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu during her visit to Pagadian City to meet with political leaders and supporters.
Governor Yu and Mayor Macario Tingson of the municipality of Tukuran raised Binay’s hands to signify their endorsement of her senatorial bid.
At the meeting, Binay recalled some experiences she shared with the governor when they both served in Congress.
Binay later travelled back to Dipolog City to attend the Kuyog Ta! Grand Proclamation Rally led by Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy, who is running for Governor of Zamboanga del Norte.
Prior to her visit to Pagadian City, Binay flew to Dipolog City where she was met at the airport by Mayor Uy together with Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Dipolog City leader Jay Adraincem and supporters.
Binay’s three priorities if elected senator will be the provision for free maintenance medicines, strengthening early childhood education, and tax-free overtime pay, bonuses, and incentives for both government and private sector workers.
On Thursday, Binay secured a major endorsement from Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares and former Governor Casimiro “Ito” Ynares.
The incumbent Makati City mayor was endorsed by the Ynares couple during a gathering of mayors, congressmen, board members and barangay captains.
Governor Ynares expressed her support and confidence in Binay’s qualifications, citing her leadership in Makati.
“Alam naman natin kung gaano kaayos ang Makati. Alam naman namin kung gaano kayo ka-qualified. Dahil alam namin na kung ano ang nagawa niyo sa Makati ay gagawin niyo rin para sa ating bayan, sa Pilipinas,” Ynares said. (We know Makati is doing great. We know you are highly qualified to replicate your achievements in Makati in the entire Philippines.)
In her message, Mayor Binay reaffirmed her commitment to championing legislation that will benefit local government units, putting emphasis on the need to uplift and empower barangays and their role in governance.
“I think you need a voice in the Senate na magsasabing bigyan naman natin ng importansya at i-professionalize natin ang mga barangay dahil lagi tayong nakatutok sa mayor, lagi tayong nakatutok sa probinsya, eh bakit hindi natin tutukan iyong mga barangay? Iyon iyong basic unit na public servant sa atin,” Binay said.
Binay also underscored her advocacy for disaster risk reduction and the welfare of rescue workers, noting that Rizal is particularly at risk for natural calamities.
“Especially sa Rizal, one thing that we want to push in the Senate is dapat po lahat ng DRRM employees may insurance. Dapat diyan may GSIS,” Binay said.
Binangonan Mayor Cesar Ynares, president of the League of Municipalities – Rizal Chapter, and Liga ng mga Barangay – Rizal Chapter president Edmun Aquino also expressed their full support for Binay’s senatorial bid.
They both called on their fellow Rizaleños to work together to ensure her victory.
Rizal has a voting population of 1.67 million.
