By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. revealed on Monday, September 30, 2024, that he has two potential candidates in mind to replace Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, who is set to file his Certificate of Candidacy (COC).
When asked if a successor for Abalos has already been chosen, Marcos responded, “Yes.”
“Let’s allow Secretary Abalos to continue his work for now. I don’t want him to feel like we’re rushing him out, especially since he’s done such an excellent job at DILG,” the President said.
“So, once he files [his certificate of candidacy], we will announce his replacement,” Marcos added.
Abalos previously confirmed that he will step down from his position to run for senator in the 2025 elections. He is part of the administration’s senatorial slate.
The filing of COCs will take place from October 1 to 8.
ia/mnm
