Marcos says he already found a replacement for DILG chief Abalos

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said he has already picked a replacement for Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. who is set to leave his post for his senatorial bid.

“Oo. Yup,” Marcos said when asked by reporters in a chance interview if Abalos already has a replacement.

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Marcos, however, refused to name the new secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, saying he would wait for Abalos to formally file his certificate of candidacy.

“I don’t want him to feel that we’re already pushing him out, considering, especially, that he has done such a good job as [interior secretary],” the President said.

“So when he will file, we will also announce his replacement,” he added.

Asked if he has a shortlist for the potential replacement, Marcos said: “Kakaunti lang (just a few). Now there are two.”

Abalos is running as senator for Marcos’ endorsed senatorial slate under “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”