Benhur Abalos resigns as MMDA chair to campaign for Bongbong Marcos 

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. has stepped down from his position to campaign for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.   

Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. together with other MMDA executives and staff

Abalos said that the reason for his resignation is to make way for his new role as Marcos’ national campaign manager. Of note, Abalos held the post of MMDA chairman for a year, as a replacement for the late Danilo Lim, who passed away due to COVID-19. 

Replacing Benjamin Abalos, Jr. as the said agency’s officer-in-charge is incumbent MMDA General Manager Romando Artes. This is a temporary post for Artes as President Rodrigo Duterte will eventually appoint the next MMDA chairman when the time comes. 

According to Abalos however, Artes is a capable lawyer who “knows everything.” 

In a statement, the former MMDA chairman says that: 

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Filipino people as MMDA Chair.” He also wished for the future success of MMDA programs, and he also thanked President Duterte for his “trust and confidence in me, most especially for believing in my capability to lead the MMDA.” 

Benjamin Abalos, Jr., who is himself also a lawyer, led several MMDA programs during his year-long appointment. These include enacting the policies of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) to combat the spread of COVID-19.  

MMDA General Manager Romando Artes will step up as the agency's OIC

He also initiated the “Vax as One” program together with the Metro Manila mayors, a program designed to accelerate the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in the National Capital Region (NCR). This was done by allowing LGUs who have almost reached their vaccination targets to vaccinate non-residents. 

Abalos also reopened the U-turn slots on EDSA, cleared the streets of Balintawak Market, and made several improvements on the many bike lanes running through the metro. 

Furthermore, Abalos launched motorcycle emergency laybys, cashless payments for traffic violations, among others. 

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