Metro Manila, Philippines—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that he will soon reveal the successor to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, who is running for senator in the 2025 midterm elections and is part of the administration’s ticket called ‘Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.’
In an interview with reporters in Tarlac, Marcos said the announcement of Abalos’s replacement will come once he files his candidacy.
“It’s still premature. Wait, wait. Pabayaan muna natin si Secretary Abalos na magtrabaho,” said Marcos.
“It’s still premature. Let’s allow Secretary Abalos to work for now.”
The president also revealed that two names are currently shortlisted to take over the DILG chief position.
“I don’t want him to feel that we’re already pushing him out, especially considering that he has done such a good job as DILG. So when he files his candidacy, we will also announce his replacement,” he added.
After announcing his intention to run for senator, Abalos expressed gratitude to Marcos for the opportunity to serve as DILG chief for the past two years.
“Ang susunod na kabanata ay magiging isang mahalagang yugto para sa ating bansa, at kailangan ng Pangulo ang ating suporta. Sa panawagan upang tumulong at magkaisa, buo ang aking puso sa panawagan ng pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa. Magtulungan tayo para sa ikabubuti ng ating bansa,” said Abalos.
(The next chapter will be an important phase for our country, and the President needs our support. In response to the call for help and unity, I wholeheartedly support the call for cooperation and solidarity. Let us work together for the betterment of our nation.)
