Benjamin "Benhur" De Castro Abalos Jr.
Benhur Abalos served as the Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from 2021 to 2022 and as Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) from 2022 to 2024. Prior to these roles, he was the Mayor of Mandaluyong City for multiple terms (1998-2007, 2016-2021). He is the son of former COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr.
Education
- Bachelor of Laws, Ateneo de Manila University
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, De La Salle University
Career Highlights
- Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (2022-2024)
- Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (2021-2022)
- Mayor of Mandaluyong City (1998-2007, 2016-2021)
- Chairman of the Metro Manila Council
Key Platforms
Urban Development and Smart Cities
Implementing smart city technologies across the Philippines to improve public services and urban planning.
Local Government Empowerment
Providing more resources and autonomy to local government units to address their specific community needs.
Police and Public Safety Reform
Modernizing police equipment and training to enhance public safety nationwide.
Disaster Preparedness
Strengthening disaster risk reduction and management capabilities at both national and local levels.
Traffic Management
Implementing comprehensive traffic management systems based on successful models from Metro Manila.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Supports economic liberalization and infrastructure development. |
| Education | Advocates for improving educational facilities and digital learning. |
| Healthcare | Supports universal healthcare with focus on preventive care. |
| Environment | Promotes sustainable urban development and green spaces. |
| Labor | Favors balanced approach between worker protection and business interests. |
| Agriculture | Supports modernization of agricultural practices and farm-to-market roads. |
| Governance | Advocates for streamlined government processes and e-governance. |
| Foreign Policy | Supports diplomatic approach to West Philippine Sea disputes while strengthening defense capabilities. |
| Charter Change | Open to constitutional amendments, particularly for economic provisions. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Has not made strong public statements on the issue. |
| Drug War | Supports continued anti-drug operations with reforms to protect human rights. |
| Icc | Against ICC intervention in Philippine affairs. |
Sources & Citations
- Official DILG reports and press releases
- Philippine News Agency archives
- Official campaign platform documents
- GMA News interviews and reports
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
