Pacquiao Gains Vilma Santos’ Endorsement in Batangas

BATANGAS — Former Batangas governor and veteran actress Vilma Santos-Recto has formally endorsed the senatorial comeback bid of boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao this Saturday.

The endorsement is expected to bolster Pacquiao’s standing not only in Batangas but throughout Southern Luzon.

During the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally in Batangas City , Pacquiao outlined a countryside-focused legislative agenda aimed at helping marginalized communities and disaster-affected families — with a clear focus on livelihood, housing, and youth development.

“Batangas and the rest of the country deserve leaders who will fight for the ordinary Filipino, through livelihood programs, MSME support, and free housing for the poor and calamity victims, we can restore dignity and hope to our countrymen in need.”

Central to Pacquiao’s platform is the revival of his earlier measure, Senate Bill No. 239 or the “Free Housing Through On-Site, In-City, or Near-City Resettlement Act”, which he vows to reintroduce if elected.

He also advocates for the development of youth through sports, the expansion of cooperatives and community enterprises, and a legislative push for the Cooperative Empowerment Act to provide capital access to micro and small entrepreneurs in the provinces.

” ipagpatuloy ang ating programa para sa mga mahihirap na tao ‘yong pagbibigay ng libreng tahanan, libreng bahay at higit sa lahat puhunan para may hanapbuhay, kapital para mag negosyo ” Pacquiao said.

Santos-Recto, widely respected in both politics and entertainment, praised Pacquiao’s enduring commitment to the poor.

“Manny has always had a heart for the poor. I believe in his advocacy to help communities, not just in Batangas but across the country. His return to the Senate will mean more concrete action for those who need it most,” Santos-Recto said.