Senatorial Candidate Benhur Abalos Receives Warm Welcome in Laguna, Pushes for Agricultural Reforms and Removal of Electricity Tax

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by: Edjun Mariposque

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April 9, 2025

4–6 minutes

PILA, LAGUNA — Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. was warmly welcomed by local officials during his visit to three municipalities and one city in Laguna—Pagsanjan, Sta. Cruz, Pila, and Calamba—on Wednesday, April 9.

In a gathering held in the town of Pila, Abalos engaged in a dialogue with members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Laguna Chapter. Mayors and representatives from Paete, Liliw, Cavinti, Siniloan, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Calauan, Pila, Famy, Kalayaan, Mabitac, Pangil, and Lumban were in attendance.

Abalos expressed his gratitude for the continued support of local leaders and emphasized that strong collaboration with local governments is essential for meaningful and lasting reform.

A central part of his advocacy was focused on agricultural reform. As a senatorial candidate, Abalos vowed to amend the Rice Tariffication Law to better protect the welfare of Filipino farmers. He also proposed reducing land taxes for farmers, expanding crop insurance coverage, offering low or zero-interest loans, and increasing subsidies for seeds and fertilizers.

He also took a firm stance on the issue of land conversion, which has become a pressing concern in Laguna due to rapid urbanization. Abalos highlighted the need to balance development with the preservation of productive agricultural lands. He proposed stricter regulations on land conversion, clearer agricultural zoning laws for local governments, improved transparency in the approval of conversion applications, and a commitment to “balanced development” to protect the country’s food security.

In addition to his agricultural agenda, Abalos also revealed his goal of removing the tax on electricity. He believes this move is feasible and would significantly encourage more investments from both local and international investors. According to him, lower electricity costs would reduce the burden on ordinary Filipinos and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global market.

In Calamba City, Abalos met with barangay captains under the leadership of Mayor Ross Rizal. The event served as a venue for meaningful dialogue centered on strengthening grassroots governance and delivering more effective public services. Mayor Rizal extended a warm welcome, saying: “Welcome po sa Bayan ng mga Bayani, Senator Benhur Abalos! Sama-sama nating isulong ang pagbabago at tunay na malasakit sa pamahalaan..”

Meanwhile, in Pagsanjan, Abalos was met with enthusiastic support from residents. He met with Mayor Cesar Areza and the entire Team Areza-Arabella, who are currently campaigning for local office. He held a short program to share his legislative agenda and to encourage local leaders to take an active role in addressing national concerns.

In Sta. Cruz, he joined 4th District Representative Jam Agarao and his allies, who declared their full support for his senatorial run.

Abalos’s Laguna tour underscored his vision of inclusive progress, grounded in strong local partnerships and national policies that prioritize the well-being of the Filipino people—particularly farmers, grassroots leaders, and working families.

#EdjunMariposque

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