Marcos still mum on next DILG chief

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is still mum on who will replace Benhur Abalos as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

This as Abalos will run for senator in next year’s midterm electoins. He is part of the administration’s senatorial slate, the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas.

Marcos said there are two personalities who are on the shortlist.

“Oo, pabayaan muna natin si Secretary Abalos na… I don’t want him to feel that we are pushing him away,” Marcos said. He said once Abalos files his candidacy, the announcement will be made as regards his replacement.

''Since considering --- especially that he has done such a good job as DILG. So, when he will file, we will also announce his replacement,'' he added.

Abalos earlier said he has already heard of possible replacements for him at the DILG.

Without naming personalities, Abalos said the decision will be made by the President.

“Yes, I have to resign... siguro the day after filing, magre-resign na po ako (Yes, I have to resign... perhaps I will resign on the day after filing),” Abalos said.

“I’ve heard of several names na papalit po sa akin, siguro hindi ko lang puwedeng sabihin... naririnig ko lang naman pero nasa Pangulo na po ito,” he added.

(I’ve heard of several names regarding who will replace me. I just can’t reveal them... I just heard them but these are all with the President.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News