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Benjamin Abalos Jr.
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Abalos in 2019
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| Secretary of the Interior and Local Government | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2022 | |
| President | Bongbong Marcos |
| Preceded by | Eduardo Año |
| Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority | |
| In office January 11, 2021 – February 7, 2022 | |
| President | Rodrigo Duterte |
| Preceded by | Danilo Lim |
| Succeeded by | Romando Artes |
| Mayor of Mandaluyong | |
| In office June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2016 | |
| Vice Mayor |
(2010–13) (2013–16) |
| Preceded by | Neptali Gonzales II |
| Succeeded by | Carmelita Abalos |
| In office June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2004 | |
| Vice Mayor | Jesse Cruz |
| Preceded by | Benjamin Abalos |
| Succeeded by | Neptali Gonzales II |
| Member of the House of Representatives from Mandaluyong | |
| In office June 30, 2004 – June 30, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Neptali Gonzales II |
| Succeeded by | Neptali 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 (age 61) Mandaluyong,[citation needed] Rizal, Philippines |
| Political party | PFP (2023–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Lakas–CMD (2003–17) PDP–Laban (2017–23) |
| Spouse |
(m. 1985) |
| Children | 7 |
| Parents |
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| Residence(s) | Mandaluyong, Metro Manila |
| Alma mater | De La Salle University (BA) Ateneo de Manila University (LL.B) |
| Occupation | Public Servant, Broadcaster |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Nickname | Benhur |
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Benjamin "Benhur" de Castro Abalos Jr. (born July 19, 1962) is a Filipino lawyer, politician, and broadcaster 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.[1] Previously, he served as the five-term city mayor, as congressman and as councilor of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. He is the son of Benjamin Abalos, a former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and MMDA chairman.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 complications from COVID-19.[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]
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]
While a secretary of DILG, Abalos began co-hosting the radio program DILG sa DZRH BreaktimeonDZRH and DZRH News Television.[8]
Abalos is a pioneer of horse racing in the Philippines since 2004. He said he mounted his first horse in Baguio. His first race horse was Dandansoy.[9]
In 2005, he became the leader of Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners (MARHO) and 7th top breeder[1]. In the 2007 Triple Crown, his Ibarra, won its two legs.
As of 2012, Abalos won 5 legs of the Philippine Triple Crown races from his "Fire Down Under," which is just one of 12 Tiger Horse Farm-ranch broodmaresinLipa City. Hagdang Bato, became the first horse since 1990 to win the highly coveted Crown.[10]
In 2015, Abalos' was named Breeder-Owner of the year, after his horses, including Malaya and Hagdang Bato won 6 trophies and earned almost P30 million in prizes. Bienvenido Niles, Jr., President of Philippine Thoroughbred Breeders Association (Philtobo) bestowed the awards.[11][12]
In 2017, Abalos' Kanlaon and Lakan, won Marho Breeders Championship while his Malaya won the MARHO Invitational Race.[13]
In 2019, Abalos Jr. and Atty. Narciso O. Morales opened the Metro Manila Turf Club, Inc. (MMTCI).[14]
In 2020, his Heneral Kalentong's impressive win earned a Triple Crown victory, with P 6 milion in prizes.[15]
Abalos Jr. is listed in the top 10 of the 2021 breeders' honor roll, with 46 wins.[16] His top horses include Pinagtipunan, 2016, The Glide, 2017, Parisian Life, 2023, Open Billing-Prime Billing, 2023[17] and Batang Manda, 2024.[18]
Abalos is married to Carmelita "Menchie" Aguilar, the incumbent vice mayor of Mandaluyong, since 1985.[19] He met her when she joined Binibining Pilipinas representing Cavite.[20]
They have six children: identical twins Charisse Marie (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.[21]
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.[22]
In July 2020, Abalos tested positive for COVID-19, after his father Benjamin Sr., his mother Corazon, and his daughter Charisse tested positive for the disease prior to his diagnosis.[23] He was able to recover from the disease.[24]
Abalos made a cameo appearance in an episode of the GMA Network television drama series Black Rider that aired on May 30, 2024, showing him in his duties as DILG secretary.[25]
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 - |
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
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| 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 Drilon, and 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 Manila, Makati |
| 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 |
| House of Representatives of the Philippines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of the House of Representatives from Mandaluyong 2004–2007 |
Succeeded by |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Mayor of Mandaluyong 1998–2004 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Mayor of Mandaluyong 2007–2016 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority 2021–2022 |
Succeeded by
Romando Artes |
| Preceded by | Secretary of the Interior and Local Government 2022–present |
Incumbent |
| Order of precedence | ||
| Preceded by asSecretary of Environment and Natural Resources | Order of Precedence of the Philippines asSecretary of the Interior and Local Government |
Succeeded by asSecretary of Tourism |
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| Governor of Metro Manila |
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| Metropolitan Manila Commission |
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| Metropolitan Manila Development Authority |
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