Abalos resigns as MMDA chairman to serve as Bongbong Marcos’ campaign manager
MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos resigned from his post to serve as national campaign manager of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Abalos made the announcement on Monday, one day before the official campaign period for national candidates, saying he has submitted his resignation letter to President Rodrigo Duterte.
“With utmost gratitude, I respectfully tender my resignation effective the end of business hours, February 7, 2022,” Abalos said in a press briefing, reading his resignation letter to Duterte.
“The campaign period is fast approaching and I would devote my time to Senator Bongbong Marcos’ campaign as his national campaign manager,” he added.
Abalos said he opted not to resign earlier as Metro Manila was facing a spike in COVID-19 cases due to Omicron variant and that he did not want to leave his post at the height of the issue.
“It’s just that hindi ko pwedeng iwanan ang kalakhang Maynila na may problema lalo na nung Omicron. Ang taas ng kaso noon,” Abalos said.
(I cannot leave Metro Manila while facing Omicron. The cases were so high then.)
“Kaya ito (resignation) ay pinagliban ko muna… I’m leaving on a good note,” he added.
(So I put on hold the reservation… Now I’m leaving on a good note)
Abalos said he and Marcos Jr. have been friends ever since the latter’s vice presidential bid back in 2016.
“Ako po ay BBM (Bongbong Marcos) dahil naniniwala ako sa kanya. Matalino siyang tao,” Abalos said.
(I am for Bongbong because I believe in him. He is a smart person.)
Abalos’ father, Benhur Abalos Sr., was appointed by former president Corazon Aquino as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the then municipality of Mandaluyong following the historic EDSA Revolution that ousted former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
