DILG chief Benhur Abalos files his candidacy for senator on Oct. 7, 2024. Jauhn Etienne Villaruel, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Benhur Abalos on Monday formalized his senatorial bid and and announced that he is now "deemed resigned" as Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary. 

Abalos was a former mayor of Mandaluyong City and has also served as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) prior to being appointed to DILG in 2022. 

In his introductory speech, Abalos highlighted his achievements during his various government posts.

"Ang Madaluying po noong araw isa sa pinakamaliit na lungosd sa Metro Manila... [Pero] maski maliit kami kami ay nangarap kami. Noong panahon ko, ilang pangulo ang nag-award sa amin," he said.

Abalos also said he would leave DILG and its attached agencies "more cohesive."

"Alam mo, kanya-kanya pong kapalaran yan. Ang importante sakin, sa kuwento [ko] ay maganda ang ending... Iiwan ko ang isang departamento na very cohesive... High morale sila," he told reporters.

Abalos refused to name who his DILG successor would be.

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