Robredo endorses Marcos Jr. bets Abalos and Pacquiao

Former vice president Leni Robredo endorsed Senate bids of former interior secretary Benhur Abalos and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who are candidates under Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas ticket.

Robredo cited Abalos' "quiet yet dependable assistance to the city over the years" and his past service as mayor of Mandaluyong, interior secretary, and MMDA chairman.

She also expressed support for national candidates Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, and Leila de Lima, as well as Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Roberto Ballon.

Pacquiao and Abalos visited Naga City on April 23, with Pacquiao joining Robredo in her house-to-house outreach.

Robredo explained her support for Pacquiao stems from gratitude for his long-time help to her and Naga City.

The endorsements, particularly for Pacquiao and Abalos, have drawn criticism from some Robredo supporters online, who are also puzzled by her apparent reluctance to endorse local candidates from her home province of Camarines Sur.