Benhur Abalos
Abalos in 2023
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government
Assumed office
June 30, 2022
PresidentBongbong Marcos
Preceded byEduardo Año
Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
In office
January 11, 2021  February 7, 2022
PresidentRodrigo Duterte
Preceded byDanilo Lim
Succeeded byRomando Artes
Mayor of Mandaluyong
In office
June 30, 2007  June 30, 2016
Vice Mayor
  • Rene Sta. Maria (2007–2010)
  • Danilo de Guzman (2010–2013)
  • Edward Bartolome (2013–2016)
Preceded byNeptali Gonzales II
Succeeded byCarmelita Abalos
In office
June 30, 1998  June 30, 2004
Vice MayorJesse Cruz
Preceded byBenjamin Abalos
Succeeded byNeptali Gonzales II
Member of the House of Representatives from Mandaluyong
In office
June 30, 2004  June 30, 2007
Preceded byNeptali Gonzales II
Succeeded byNeptali Gonzales II
Member of the Mandaluyong City Council from the 1st district
In office
June 30, 1995  June 30, 1998
Personal details
Born
Benjamin de Castro Abalos Jr.

(1962-07-19) July 19, 1962
Mandaluyong, Rizal, Philippines
Political partyPFP (2023–present)
Other political
affiliations
Lakas–CMD (2003–2017)
PDP–Laban (2017–2023)
Spouse
(m. 1985)
Children7
Parent(s)Benjamin Abalos Sr.
Corazon de Castro
Residence(s)Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
Alma materDe La Salle University (BA)
Ateneo de Manila University (LL.B)
OccupationPublic Servant
ProfessionLawyer
NicknameBenhur

Benjamin "Benhur" de Castro Abalos Jr. (born July 19, 1962) is a Filipino lawyer and politician serving as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government since 2022. Before his appointment as DILG secretary, he last served as the Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) under the Duterte administration from 2021 to 2022. Previously, he served as the city mayor of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, for five terms, as congressman and as councilor of the same city. He is the son of Benjamin Abalos, a former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and MMDA chairman. In January 2021, Abalos was appointed to the same position in the MMDA as his father following the death of Danilo Lim who died from complications of COVID-19.[1]

Early life and education

Abalos is the second eldest of the five children of Benjamin Abalos and Corazon de Castro.[2][3] He attended his elementary and secondary education at Don Bosco Technical College, where he completed the latter in 1979. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science at De La Salle University in 1982. He then attended Ateneo de Manila University, where he completed Bachelor of Laws degree in 1987. As a law student at Ateneo, he was a representative to the Student Council during his first and fourth years. He was admitted to the bar in 1988.

Political career

City Councilor of Mandaluyong (1995—1998)

Abalos first served as Councilor from the 1st district of Mandaluyong from 1995 to 1998.[2] In that role, he chaired the Committee on Laws, Peace & Order and Public Safety and served on the Committee on Angara Affairs and Livelihood and Cooperatives.

Mayor of Mandaluyong (1998—2004)

Abalos was first elected mayor in 1998, succeeding his father Benjamin Abalos. His brand of governance was credited with transforming Mandaluyong into the “Tiger City of the Philippines” in just one term of office. He was re-elected in 2001. He served as the local chief executive until 2004.

Congressman, Lone District of Mandaluyong (2004—2007)

In the 2004 elections, he switched positions with a longtime political ally, Rep. Neptali Gonzales II, to become the city's lone representative to the House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress. Abalos served in this capacity until 2007. As a member of the lower house, he authored a total of 25 House bills and co-authored 54 others. He sponsored the biggest budget of the Philippine Sports Commission in its entire history. In addition, Abalos was the principal author of Republic Act No. 9397, otherwise known as the Amended Urban Development Housing Act of 1992.

Mayor of Mandaluyong (2007—2016)

In 2007, Abalos was again elected mayor of Mandaluyong. He was re-elected in 2010 and in 2013.

In his second term as mayor, Abalos set new records after being elected as president of two national organizations. The first organization was the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), an organization of all 1.2 million elected/appointed local officials in the country and their umbrella organizations (League of Governors, League of Vice Governors, board members, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, Councillors, and Sangguinaang Kabataan, as well as nurses' and midwives' organizations). The second organization was the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), an organization of all 122 city mayors of the country. He was the first mayor to hold the presidency of these two prestigious organizations concurrently. His term in ULAP was also the first time a mayor had headed ULAP, which had traditionally been headed by a governor. He served as the local chief executive until 2016.

Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (2021—2022)

Abalos (center) sworn in by President Rodrigo Duterte as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman, January 11, 2021
Abalos during a meeting at MMDA

Abalos was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as the chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on January 11, 2021, replacing Danilo Lim, who died due to the coronavirus.[4] Serving during the COVID-19 pandemic, he vowed to abide by the principle of good governance which he championed in Mandaluyong for more than a decade as its local chief executive. As head of the MMDA, Abalos led the agency in responding to the needs of Metro Manila pursuant to the mandates of the MMDA under Republic Act No. 7924. With this task at hand, Abalos enjoined all of the agency employees to continue working well in delivering efficient public service. Aside from being the MMDA Chairman, he is also the Chairman of the Regional Development Council for the National Capital Region and the presiding officer of the Metro Manila Council (the governing board and policy-making body of the MMDA).

Abalos resigned from the post on February 7, 2022, to serve as the national campaign manager of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos, one day before the start of the official campaign period for national candidates.[5]

Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government

On May 13, 2022, Atty. Victor Rodriguez, the spokesperson of presumptive president Bongbong Marcos, announced that Abalos has accepted Marcos's nomination to become the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government. The announcement came a few days after the 2022 presidential elections while Marcos had a commanding lead in the partial and unofficial tallies.[6]

Abalos said he would bring his extensive political experience when he leads the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the administration of Marcos. At this time when there is a strong call for our nation's unity, Abalos said the "DILG will play a paramount role in promoting peace and order and in bringing together our local government units."[7]

Personal life

Abalos is married to Carmelita "Menchie" Aguilar, the incumbent vice-mayor of Mandaluyong, since 1985.[8] He met her when she joined Binibining Pilipinas representing Cavite.[9]

They have six children: identical twins Charisse and Ciara Marie, Benjamin III (Benjie), Charlene Marie, Maria Corazon (Corrine), and Celine Marie.[2] Ciara Marie died in 2005 at age 19 due to an Escherichia coli bacterial infection.[10]

Two of his children also entered politics; Charisse served as councilor from the 1st district of Mandaluyong from 2013 to 2022, while Benjamin III currently serves as councilor from the 2nd district since 2019. Maria Corazon is one of the delegates for Miss Universe Philippines 2021.[11]

Health

In July 2020, Abalos tested positive for COVID-19, after his father, Benjamin Sr., his mother, and his daughter Charisse tested positive for the disease prior to his diagnosis.[12] He was able to recover from the disease.[13]

Occupation

Awards

AWARDS RECEIVED BY Benjamin "Benhur" de Castro Abalos Jr.
Date Awards Description
November 27, 2017 Pioneering Leader in Green Building Program Given by International Finance Corporation World Bank and adopted by the Department of Public Works and Highways

Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City

December 13, 2016 Nutrition Honor Award The highest award conferred by the National Nutrition Council to an LGUthat has consistently achieved the CROWN Award for three consecutive years.

Awarded by National Nutrition Council

Philippine International Convention Center

October 27, 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance For passing all criterion the Core and Essential Components: Good Financial Housekeeping; Social Protection; Disaster Preparedness; Business-friendliness and Competitiveness; Environmental Management; and Peace and Order.

Awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Pasay

June 25, 2015 United Nations Public Service Award In recognition of his excellent performance as a public servantin initiating Project TEACH, a program that extends free services and intervention to childrenwith special needs of indigent families.

Awarded by the United Nations thru its Division forPublic Administration and Development Management

Medellin, Colombia

September 14, 2015 Seal of Good Local Governance For passing all criterion the Core and Essential Components: Good Financial Housekeeping; Social Protection; Disaster Preparedness; Business-friendliness and Competitiveness; Environmental Management; and Peace and Order.

Awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government

Executive Building, Mandaluyong City Hall

March 13, 2013 Galing Pook 2012 Awards - Top Ten Outstanding Local Governance Programs -
  • Project T.E.A.C.H. (Therapy, Education and Assimilation of Children with Handicap)

Awarded by the Galing Pook Foundation in partnership with the Local Government Academy-Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Ford Foundation

Diosdado Macapagal Hall, Landbank Plaza, Malate, Manila

  • Garden of Life Park Awarded by the Galing Pook Foundation in partnership with the Local Government Academy-Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Ford Foundation Diosdado Macapagal Hall, Landbank Plaza, Malate, Manila
2012 Presidential Award For Most Child Friendly City in the Philippines (Highly Urbanized City Category) Awarded by the Council for the Welfare of Children

Malacañang Palace, Manila

October 2011

National Level Finalist – 2012.

October 13, 2003 Outstanding City Mayor Local Government Leadership Award (LGLA), Senate of the Philippines.

Awarded by Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Senator Franklin Drilonand DILG Secretary Joey Lina, University of the Philippines, Ateneo School of Government –Ateneo de Manila, La Salle Institute of Governance – DLSU, Center for Governance, Development Academy of the Philippines, San Carlos University, Mindanao State University and Kalayaan College

January 22, 2016 Seal of Child Friendly Local Governance For creating a child-sensitive and child-friendly community in protection of the children's rights to survival, development, protection participation. and Awarded by the Council for the Welfare of Children, Wack-Wack Golf & Country Club, Mandaluyong
October 29, 2015 2nd Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance Award Conferred by the National Nutrition Council (NNC)

Philippine International Convention Center

July 19, 2015 Guinness World Records for the largest Zumba class in one location, An endeavor initiated with City First Lady Menchie Abalos in promoting healthy lifestyle.

Guinness World Records, Mandaluyong

April 8, 2015 Gawad Parangal Award - Most Outstanding Mayor Awarded by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines.

SMX Convention Center, Pasay

October 20, 2014 Exemplary Humanitarian Service Award & Champion Activist of Children's Rights and Welfare Cited by the United Notions Children's Fund & the Philippine Red Cross.
October 24, 2013 Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines

(Highly Urbanized City Category)

Awarded by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Philippine Business Conference - Manila Hotel
April 2012 Rank No.2 in Top Performing Cities Based on Locally Generated Revenues 2010-2011 Comparative Report Department of Finance - Bureau of Local Government Finance

Published in Philippine Star

January 13, 2016 Top 3 in Top Performing Cities Based on Locally Generated Revenues 2015 List of Cities with Locally-Sourced Revenues

Published in Philippine Daily Inquirer

March 8, 2016 Local Government Luminary 2015 In recognition of being a Partner for Progress that promotes sustainable developments

Awarded by Meralco, Meralco Theater, Pasig

September 14, 2015 Communication Excellence in Organizations

(CEO EXCEL) Award

For effectively championing utilization of communication strategies to achieve excellent governance goals.

Awarded by the International Association of Business Communicators, Intercontinental Hotel Manila. Makati City

September 30, 2015 Rafael M. Salas Population & Development Award For his people-centered governance and development initiatives

From the Commission on Population, Century Park Hotel, Manila

February 20, 2015 Gawad Kalusugan Award - Excellence in Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Best performance in achieving systems-based approach in local health reforms.

Awarded by the Department of Health

January 2412 The Outstanding Philippine Leadership Excellence Award in Philanthropy (TOP-LEAP) Outstanding Philanthropist in Public Governance.

Awarded by the Rotary Club and the Junior Chamber International

Senate of the Philippines

August 2011 Kabalikat Award for Local Government Unit Awarded by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

National Capital Region, TESDA Central Office. Taguig

November 2014 1st Year CROWN Maintenance Award National Nutrition Council (NNC)
October 2013 Top Performing Local Government Unit in the NCR for 2012 Awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government

through the Local Government Performance Management System

2010, 2011, 2012 Green Banner Award

(Best in Nutrition Program Management and Implementation)

Awarded by the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-NCR
October 2011 1st Gen. Miguel Malvar Special Award Outstanding Performance in Local Government Service & Most Significant Achievement of a Local Official in Nation Building, People Empowerment & Community Development.

Awarded by the Philippine-American War Centennial Foundation

July 5, 2003 Most Outstanding City Mayor and Public Servant Awardee 14th Annuoa National Consumers Awards (in recognition of his innovative leadership, pioneering programs and sterling record in public service).

Awarded by the Consumers Union of the Philippines, Grand Ballroom Westin Philippine Plaza

May 2003 Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in Metro Manila - DepEd Metro Manila Literacy Awards In recognition of his initiatives in support of various educational programs, including enhanced computer literacy skills for high-school students and the development of o unique literacy program for children with disabilities. Awarded by the Department of Education, National Capital Region
2003 Most Outstanding Kapampangan In the field of Local Governance given by Governor Lito Lapid on the Provincial Government
April 10, 2002 Mandaluyong: The New Tiger City of Metro Manila

(2nd Most Vibrant City Economy in the Country)

Awarded by Asian Institute of Management & the Department of Trade and Industry, Washington Sycip Policy

New World Hotel

Notes

    References

    1. Calapati, Jimmy (July 31, 2002). "Development with a heart". Manila Standard. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
    2. 1 2 3 CoM (2008). "Mandaluyong Mayor". City of Mandaluyong. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
    3. Cabuenas, J.V.D. (January 10, 2020). "Benhur Abalos to take over as MMDA chief". GMA News. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
    4. Mocon-Ciriao, Claudeth (January 12, 2021). "Abalos: Metro Manila needs 'coordinated' urban planning". BusinessWorld. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
    5. Mercado, Neil Arwin (February 7, 2022). "Abalos resigns as MMDA chairman to serve as Bongbong Marcos' campaign manager". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
    6. Galvez, Daphne (May 13, 2022). "Marcos campaign manager Abalos to become DILG chief". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
    7. Garcia, Patrick (May 14, 2022). "he would bring his extensive political experience when he leads the Department of the Interior and Local Government". Manila Bulletin.
    8. "Charisse Abalos marks what would've been her grandparents' 61st wedding anniversary". Politiko Metro Manila. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
    9. "WATCH | Mana sa mommy! Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos once joined Bb. Pilipinas as Miss Cavite". Politiko. August 11, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
    10. Araneta, Sandy; Alquitran, Non (April 24, 2005). "Mandaluyong congressman's daughter dies from infection". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
    11. Gavin, Sky (July 20, 2021). "Mandaluyong's Corrine Abalos a Delegate For Miss Universe Philippines 2021". When in Manila. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
    12. Casinas, John Aldrin (July 26, 2020). "Ex-Mandaluyong mayor Benhur Abalos tested positive for COVID-19". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
    13. "Mandaluyong ex-mayor says Chinese meds helped him beat COVID". CNN Philippines. July 26, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
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