MANILA – Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman and current Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr. is supporting his son's senatorial bid.

Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos formalized his senatorial bid on Monday, as he filed his certificate of candidacy.

Among those by his side were his father, and his wife Vice Mayor Carmelita Abalos.

In an interview with media after the COC filing, Abalos Sr. shared why he showed up to support his son.

"Actually yung kabilinbilinan ko sa aking pamilya, never fail to look back, Itong mga taong ito ang nagbigay ng pangalan sa kanya. Itong mga taong ito ang nagbuhat sa kanya, itong mga taong ito ang gumawa sa kanya," he said.

"Kaya ang sabi ko kahit papano, nagbalik ano ngayon. Kahit umuulan kaninang umaga, ang lakas ng ulan ano? Ang aga-aga nila dito, salamat sa suporta. Kaya ako nagbalik dito," the elder Abalos added.

His son was greeted by supporters all dressed in blue, bringing the fiesta atmosphere to the Quirino Grandstand before the COC filing of the younger Abalos.

Abalos Sr. said his son's stint as Mandaluyong City Mayor in the past played a part to its current state.

"At yan yung sinasabi ni Benhur: wala kang kikilalanin, wala kang titingnan, kalaban o kakampi, kailangan magisa," he added.

If elected, Abalos said he would push for reducing the cost of electricity, job creation, all of which is backed by his father.