Women supporting women: Belmonte backs Binay for No. 1 Senate seat

Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday expressed full support for senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay, calling on Quezon City residents to make her the top senatorial choice in the city.

Belmonte made the endorsement during Binay’s visit to Quezon City Hall, where they addressed thousands of residents, barangay leaders, and women participants in a city-organized dance competition.

The Quezon City mayor praised Binay’s track record as a lawyer, legislator, and long-time mayor, expressing confidence in her capability to serve at the national level.

Addressing over 1,500 participants in the Kababaihan Dance Competition, Binay emphasized the strength and resilience of women in leadership and in everyday life.

“As women, being a mayor is already a challenge. But on top of that, we’re also mothers, we’re wives… We still need to buy groceries and take care of our families when we get home,” Binay said in Filipino.

She acknowledged the shared experience of women leaders like Belmonte in balancing public service with domestic responsibilities, saying these challenges highlight the strength and multitasking abilities of women.

Binay also outlined her proposed legislative priorities, including regular salaries for barangay officials and workers in place of honoraria, and job security for trained barangay health workers.

During her visit, she was welcomed by some 2,000 members of civil society organizations and later met with about 1,000 urban farmers. She praised Quezon City’s urban agriculture initiatives and reaffirmed her commitment to support food security efforts in Metro Manila.

Binay also renewed her push for free maintenance medicine programs and the inclusion of preventive healthcare in PhilHealth coverage.

“Remember this — because we are neighbors, you can always count on us. If you need help with anything, you can be sure of our support, because we are one family here in Metro Manila,” she said added.