Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III has endorsed senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay on Thursday during a courtesy call at the provincial government center.

Garcia cited Binay’s legislative experience as a former congresswoman and her current tenure as Makati mayor, noting that Makati’s programs have inspired Bataan and other local government units.

“We have long admired Makati’s programs, since the time of then Mayor Jojo Binay. We continue to strive to replicate its best practices here in Bataan,” Garcia said.

Binay expressed gratitude to Garcia and other Bataan leaders for their support and pledged to be their voice in the Senate.

She vowed to push for a new Local Government Code to improve grassroots governance and provide better recognition and compensation for local officials.

“The 1991 Local Government Code is too old,” Binay said.

She also reiterated her advocacy for improved healthcare, including free maintenance medicines, enhanced early childhood education, and tax-free overtime pay, bonuses and incentives for government and private sector workers.

Other Bataan officials present included Vice Governor Maria Cristina Garcia, Representative Maria Angela Garcia, Balanga City Mayor Francis Garcia and Orion Mayor Antonio Raymundo Jr., chairman of the League of Municipalities-Bataan Chapter.

Several Bataan board members and mayors also attended.

Later Thursday, Binay received an endorsement from mayoral candidate Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab of San Fernando, Pampanga, during a visit to her campaign headquarters.