SENATORIAL candidate Benhur Abalos, Jr. was visibly emotional as he recalled his reaction to Vice Ganda’s surprise 30-second video endorsement for his candidacy.
Speaking at a press conference hosted by Regal Entertainment at 38 Valencia Events Place, Abalos admitted he was just as shocked as the public when the “Unkabogable Star” posted the video.
“Hindi ko alam na gagawin iyon ni Meme Vice,” Abalos said, his voice cracking as he spoke about the unexpected act of support.
The endorsement, which was entirely voluntary and not paid for, deeply moved Abalos. “Of course, I’m deeply touched. Vice has millions of followers—what he did really helped,” he said, adding that Vice’s endorsement was a significant boost.
‘Parang si Vice hindi basta-basta nag-e-endorse e. Ano siya e, very meticulous, namimili. Kaya I’m very thankful for that,” he added.
With 16 to 17 million views on Vice’s page, Abalos recognized the magnitude of the gesture.
He also took the opportunity to thank other supporters, including Jake Cuenca, Ai Ai delas Alas, Priscilla Meirelles, Bea Santiago, and his relative, Jason Abalos, for their help in his campaign.
Although he and Vice Ganda had not met in person, Abalos expressed his gratitude during the press conference.
“Vice, maraming salamat sa ginawa mo. It’s a simple 30 seconds pero very catchy. Nagulat din ako. Talagang very catchy, very true. Sandaling segundo ‘yun. It caught a lot of attention and parang binigyan ako ng second look ng mga tao tuloy,” he said.
The candidate added that the endorsement had driven people to search for more information about him.
“Maraming salamat, Vice Ganda,” he said almost in tears. “Who would I not be emotional? Even my journey has been quite difficult and very challenging. But these last two days, lahat ng blessings pumapasok. And recently, kusa, sabi ko nga ‘yung mga nag-eendorse sa akin, ‘sigurado kayo?’ And sabi nila, ‘yes.’”
As the campaign nears its end, Abalos acknowledged the critical timing of the endorsement.
“Walang pinag-usapan, para bang surprise birthday party para sa iyo e. The last day of campaign is tomorrow, after that tapos na po. And this is very critical time at maraming-maraming salamat talaga,” he shared.
