Ballot 1:
Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.
Former Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government
Partido Federal ng Pilipinas
Age: 62 (born July 19, 1962)
Highest educational attainment: Bachelor of Laws, Ateneo de Manila University
Endorsed by: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, the Philippine Councilors’ League
Bearing the tagline “Kilos Abalos,” former Interior and Local Government secretary Benhur Abalos vows to file amendments to the Local Government Code as his first order of business, if elected. The first-time senatorial aspirant also promises to push for reduced power rates and food security, among others.
Field of Expertise
- Some of the implemented policies and programs under his term were:
- Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA program centered on the prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of drug dependents.
- Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay
- Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) sa Barangay project
- Integration of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberal Front rebels into the Philippine National Police (PNP)
- Took into custody high-profile personalities such as dismissed mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac; Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy; and alleged sex trafficker Teddy Meijia.
- Under his term, Mandaluyong City was recognized as the “New Tiger City of Metro Manila” for its vibrant economy
- Principal author, Republic Act 9397, also known as the Amended Urban Development Housing Act of 1992
Issues and Controversies
Faces a malicious mischief case filed by former president Rodrigo Duterte over an operation to arrest Quiboloy at the KOJC compound in September 2024; Abalos filed a counter-affidavit two months later, denying allegations of destruction of property.
- Drew flak for a photo of him and PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil with dismissed mayor Guo accused of involvement in illegal offshore gaming operations; Abalos said the photo was only for documentation and he did not know Guo was striking a pose
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Family Members in Government
Benjamin Abalos Sr.
Relationship: Father
Position/s held:
- Mayor - Mandaluyong City (2022-2025; 1988-1998)
- Chairman - Commission on Elections (2002)
- Chairman - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (2001-2002)
- Officer-in-Charge - Mandaluyong City (1986-1987)
Carmelita “Menchie” Aguilar-Abalos
Relationship: Wife
Position/s held:
- Vice Mayor - Mandaluyong City (2022-2025)
- Mayor - Mandaluyong City (2016-2022)
Benjamin “Benjie” Abalos III
Relationship: Son
Position/s held:
- Councilor - Mandaluyong City, second district (2019-2025)
Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas
Relationship: Daughter
Position/s held:
- Councilor - Mandaluyong City, first district ( 2013-2022)
Where this candidate stands on top 5 concerns of the Filipino voter
- Believes the concept of ayuda program is “good” but needs proper implementation
- Proposes a review of the Rice Tariffication Law to bring down prices
- Vows to strengthen the country’s anti-graft policies
- Advocates for amendments to the Local Government Code of 1991
- Criticizes the presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea and condemns China’s continuous aggression
- Supports the assertion of the country’s rights in contested waters
- Promotes a “holistic” approach to the issue of illegal drug by letting authorities arrest drug pushers while strengthening anti-drug abuse councils, addressing education and labor problems as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the demand for drugs
- Says that families, schools, churches and communities play a vital role in fighting illegal drugs
- Stresses the value of timely announcements and simplified weather reporting in disaster preparedness
- Vows to push for legislation that will address the worsening effects of climate change
- Recognizes the importance of preserving the Sierra Madre as part of the government’s disaster mitigation plan
Interesting Facts
- One of top racehorse breeders in the country; was awarded Horse Owner of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association after bagging his third Presidential Gold Cup championship in December 2024
- Was fifth biggest ad spender on TV, radio, print and billboards before the official filing of candidacy in October 2024, based on a report published by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
- Made TV appearances on GMA shows Black Rider, Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law, and Batang Riles, which drew positive and negative reactions online
- Resigned as MMDA chairman in 2022 to become Marcos’ campaign manager in the presidential elections
- Was the first mayor elected as LCP president, a position traditionally held by governors.