MANILA, Philippines – Reelectionist Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos and congressional candidate Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II on Sunday, May 5, held their miting de avance with some senatorial candidates of PDP-Laban.

The event was filled with song-and-dance numbers, with all candidates – from councilor to congressman – taking turns to entertain the public.

“This is not a miting de avance. This is a victory party,” Gonzales said in Filipino.

The officials are expecting the best for the slate. The popular Mayor Abalos, who is running under the banner of PDP-Laban, only has one opponent: independent candidate Florencio Solomon.

Abalos’ running mate, incumbent Vice Mayor Anthony Suva of PDP-Laban, is also facing just one foe: Boy de Quinto of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

Gonzales, meanwhile, is running unopposed under the ruling party. A former lawmaker himself, he is eyeing to replace his wife, incumbent Representative Queenie Gonzales.

The 2019 elections will also see 3 members of the Abalos family running for office: Mayor Abalos, Charisse Abalos Vargas for 1st District councilor, and Benjie Abalos for 2nd District councilor.

Pitch for PDP-Laban Senate bets

During the rally, local officials along with former mayors Benjamin Abalos Sr and son Benhur Abalos pitched the 5 senatorial candidates of PDP-Laban – Bato dela Rosa, Bong Go, Zajid Mangudadatu, reelectionist Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, and Francis Tolentino – to their constituents.

“Lahat ng makukuhang boto ni Menchie, ni Boyet, ibibigay natin sa PDP-Laban senatorial candidates,” Benhur said.

(All the votes for Menchie, for Boyet, we should also give to the PDP-Laban senatorial candidates.)

Of the 5, only Pimentel, Go, and Dela Rosa were present.

Go brought celebrities, such as comedian Bayani Agbayani and child star Alonzo Muhlach, to campaign for him. Mangudadatu was represented by celebrity Valerie Concepcion. – Rappler.com