{{Short description|Filipino lawyer and politician (born 1962)}} {{Philippine name|de Castro|Abalos}} {{BLP sources|date=June 2013}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Use Philippine English|date=November 2022}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = | image = Secretary Benhur Abalos (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines).jpg | image_size = | caption = Official portrait, 2022 | office = 41st Secretary of the Interior and Local Government | term_start = {{Start date|2022|6|30}} | term_end = {{End date|2024|10|7}} | president = Bongbong Marcos | predecessor = Eduardo Año | successor = Jonvic Remulla | office2 = Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority | president2 = Rodrigo Duterte | term_start2 = {{Start date|2021|1|11}} | term_end2 = {{End date|2022|2|7}} | predecessor2 = Danilo Lim | successor2 = Romando Artes | 1blankname3 = {{nowrap|Vice Mayor}} | 1namedata3 = {{plainlist| * Rene Sta. Maria <br>(2007–2010) * Danilo de Guzman <br>(2010–2013) * Edward Bartolome <br>(2013–2016) }} | office3 = Mayor of Mandaluyong | term_start3 = {{Start date|2007|6|30}} | term_end3 = {{End date|2016|6|30}} | predecessor3 = Neptali Gonzales II | successor3 = Carmelita Abalos | 1blankname4 = {{nowrap|Vice Mayor}} | 1namedata4 = Jesse Cruz | term_start4 = June 30, 1998 | term_end4 = June 30, 2004 | predecessor4 = Benjamin Abalos | successor4 = Neptali Gonzales II | office5 = Member of the House of Representatives from Mandaluyong | term_start5 = June 30, 2004 | term_end5 = June 30, 2007 | predecessor5 = Neptali Gonzales II | successor5 = Neptali Gonzales II | office6 = Member of the Mandaluyong City Council from the 1st district | term_start6 = June 30, 1995 | term_end6 = June 30, 1998 | birth_name = Benjamin de Castro Abalos Jr. | birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1962|07|19}} | birth_place = Manila, Philippines<ref>{{cite web |date=October 29, 2024 |title=ABALOS, BENJAMIN CASTRO |url=https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2025NLE/COC_2025NLE/COC_Senator138/ABALOS,%20BENJAMIN%20JR.%20DE%20CASTRO.pdf |access-date=November 11, 2024 |website=Commission on Elections}}</ref> | nickname = Benhur | occupation = Politician, broadcaster | spouse = {{marriage|Carmelita "Menchie" Aguilar|1985}} | party = PFP (2023–present) | other_party = Lakas (1995–2017)<br>PDP–Laban (2017–2023) | father = Benjamin Abalos Sr. | mother = Corazon de Castro | children = 6 | alma_mater = De La Salle University (BA)<br>Ateneo de Manila University (LL.B) | profession = Lawyer | module = {{Infobox horseracing personality | embed=yes | occupation = Horse breeder and owner | career winnings = | career wins = | race = | awards = | honors = <!--or |honours= --> | memorials = | horses = {{hlist|Ibarra|Hagdang Bato|Batang Manda}} | website = | module = }} }}
'''Benjamin''' "'''Benhur'''" '''de Castro Abalos Jr.''' (born July 19, 1962) is a Filipino politician, lawyer and racehorse breeder who served as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government from 2022 to 2024 in the Cabinet of President Bongbong Marcos. He served as chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the Duterte administration from 2021 to 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last=Calapati|first=Jimmy|title='Development with a heart'|via=Google News|publisher=Manila Standard|date=July 31, 2002|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1370&dat=20020731&id=2RcbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5EoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5266,3131394|access-date=April 3, 2010}}</ref> In his hometown of Mandaluyong, he previously served as mayor (1998–2004 and 2007–2016), representative (2004–2007), and councilor (1995–1998). His father and namesake, Benjamin Abalos, is a former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) chairman, and like Benhur, also served as mayor of Mandaluyong and MMDA chairman.
==Early life and education== Abalos is the second eldest of the five children of Benjamin Abalos and Corazon de Castro.<ref name="CoM">{{Cite web|title=Mandaluyong City Mayor : Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr.|publisher=City of Mandaluyong|url=http://www.mandaluyong.gov.ph/govt/mayor.aspx|access-date=April 3, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728145832/http://www.mandaluyong.gov.ph/govt/mayor.aspx |archive-date=July 28, 2011}}</ref><ref name="gmanews">{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/771169/benhur-abalos-to-take-over-as-mmda-chief/story/|title=Benhur Abalos to take over as MMDA chief|publisher=GMA News|author=Cabuenas, J.V.D.|date=January 10, 2020|accessdate=January 10, 2020}}</ref> He was nicknamed by his grandmother after the fictional character Judah Ben-Hur.<ref name=powerhouse /> He attended his elementary and secondary education at Don Bosco Technical College, where he completed the latter in 1979. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science at De La Salle University in 1982. He then attended Ateneo de Manila University, where he completed Bachelor of Laws degree in 1987. As a law student at Ateneo, he was a representative to the Student Council during his first and fourth years. He was admitted to the bar in 1988.
==Political career==
===People's Law Enforcement Board; City Councilor of Mandaluyong (1995–1998)=== In the early 1990s, Abalos served as a member of the Mandaluyong People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) as chaired by councilor Pablito Gahol, which served as a disciplinary authority over local police.<ref>{{cite news|last=Antolin|first=Arkhon|title=Mandaluyong PLEB cited by Napolcom|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=August 11, 1993|page=17|quote=The Mandaluyong PLEB is composed of [Pablito] Gahol as chairman, and members Col. Timoteo Sta. Maria, Benjamin Abalos Jr., Angel Valbuena and barangay chairman Luisito Espinosa.}}</ref> Abalos was first elected councilor from the 1st district of Mandaluyong from 1995 to 1998.<ref name="CoM"/> In that role, he chaired the Committee on Laws, Peace & Order and Public Safety and served on the Committee on Angara Affairs and Livelihood and Cooperatives.
===Mayor of Mandaluyong (1998–2004)=== Abalos was first elected mayor in 1998, succeeding his father Benjamin Abalos. His brand of governance was credited with transforming Mandaluyong into the "Tiger City of the Philippines" in just one term of office. He was re-elected in 2001, and served as the local chief executive until 2004.
===Congressman, Lone District of Mandaluyong (2004–2007)=== [[File:Rep. Benjamin Abalos Jr. (13th Congress).jpg|thumb|left|Portrait during his term as Mandaluyong representative in the 13th Congress]] In the 2004 elections, he switched positions with a longtime political ally, Rep. Neptali Gonzales II, to become the city's lone representative to the House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress. Abalos served in this capacity until 2007. As a member of the lower house, he authored a total of 25 House bills and co-authored 54 others. He sponsored the biggest budget of the Philippine Sports Commission in its entire history. In addition, Abalos was the principal author of Republic Act No. 9397, otherwise known as the Amended Urban Development Housing Act of 1992.
===Mayor of Mandaluyong (2007–2016)=== In 2007, Abalos was elected again as mayor of Mandaluyong, switching once again with Neptali Gonzales II. He was re-elected in 2010 and in 2013.<ref name="rappler1">{{Cite news |date=May 24, 2025 |title=Benhur Abalos |url=https://www.rappler.com/people/n12735728-benhur-abalos/ |access-date=August 28, 2025 |work=Rappler |language=en-US}}</ref>
In his second term as mayor, Abalos set new records after being elected as president of two national organizations. The first organization was the [http://www.ulap.org.ph/ Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines] (ULAP), an organization of all 1.2 million elected/appointed local officials in the country and their umbrella organizations (League of Governors, League of Vice Governors, board members, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, Councillors, and Sangguinaang Kabataan, as well as nurses' and midwives' organizations). The second organization was the [http://lcp.org.ph/ League of Cities of the Philippines] (LCP), an organization of all 122 city mayors of the country. He was the first mayor to hold the presidency of these two prestigious organizations concurrently. His term in ULAP was also the first time a mayor had headed ULAP, which had traditionally been headed by a governor. He served as the local chief executive until 2016.
===Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (2021–2022)=== [[File:President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administers the oath of office of Benjamin Abalos Jr. as the new chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority at the Malacañang Palace on January 11, 2021 (01).jpg|thumb|left|Abalos (center) sworn in by President Rodrigo Duterte as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman, January 11, 2021]] thumb|left|Abalos during a meeting at MMDA Abalos was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as the chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on January 11, 2021, replacing Danilo Lim, who died due to complications from COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/01/13/abalos-metro-manila-needs-coordinated-urban-planning/ | title=Abalos: Metro Manila needs 'coordinated' urban planning | last=Mocon-Ciriao | first=Claudeth | date=2021-01-12 | publisher=BusinessWorld | accessdate=2021-01-12}}</ref> Serving during the COVID-19 pandemic, he vowed to abide by the principle of good governance which he championed in Mandaluyong for more than a decade as its local chief executive. As head of the MMDA, Abalos led the agency in responding to the needs of Metro Manila pursuant to the mandates of the MMDA under Republic Act No. 7924. With this task at hand, Abalos enjoined all of the agency employees to continue working well in delivering efficient public service. Aside from being the MMDA Chairman, he is also the Chairman of the Regional Development Council for the National Capital Region and the presiding officer of the Metro Manila Council (the governing board and policy-making body of the MMDA).
Abalos resigned from the post on February 7, 2022, to serve as the national campaign manager of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos, one day before the start of the official campaign period for national candidates.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1550943/abalos-resigns-as-mmda-chairman-to-serve-as-bongbong-marcos-campaign-manager|title=Abalos resigns as MMDA chairman to serve as Bongbong Marcos' campaign manager|first=Neil Arwin|last=Mercado|website=INQUIRER.net|accessdate=February 7, 2022|date=February 7, 2022}}</ref>
===Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (2022–2024)=== [[File:2023-07-17 – PBBM launches eLGU, eReport Systems; calls for increased cooperation among agencies to speed up digitalization and fight criminality (04).jpg|thumb|Abalos speaking during the launch of Electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) and eReport Systems at the Malacañang Palace in July 2023]] On May 13, 2022, Victor Rodriguez, the spokesperson of presumptive president Bongbong Marcos, announced that Abalos had accepted Marcos's nomination to become the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government. The announcement came a few days after the 2022 presidential elections while Marcos had a commanding lead in the partial and unofficial tallies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1597286/marcos-campaign-manager-abalos-to-become-dilg-chief|title=Marcos campaign manager Abalos to become DILG chief|first=Daphne|last=Galvez|date=May 13, 2022|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref>
Abalos said he would bring his extensive political experience when he leads the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the administration of Marcos. At this time when there is a strong call for our nation's unity, Abalos said the "DILG will play a paramount role in promoting peace and order and in bringing together our local government units."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/14/former-mmda-chairman-abalos-to-bring-a-game-as-dilg-chief-under-marcos-jr-admin/?amp|title=he would bring his extensive political experience when he leads the Department of the Interior and Local Government|first=Patrick|last=Garcia|date=May 14, 2022|work=Manila Bulletin}}</ref> Notable achievements during his time as DILG Secretary include the recruitment of former Moro rebels into the Philippine National Police and the implementation of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program, which significantly increased drug confiscations by seven times compared to the previous administrations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/abalos-says-government-turn-former-rebels-into-cops-before-2024/|title=Abalos says gov't to turn 400 former Moro rebels into cops before 2024|first=Rommel|last=Rebolido|date=August 3, 2023|accessdate=September 26, 2024|work=Rappler}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/19/abalos-named-best-performing-cabinet-member-dilg-most-trusted-government-agency|title=Abalos named best performing Cabinet member; DILG most trusted government agency|first=Chito|last=Chavez|date=September 26, 2024|accessdate=September 26, 2024|work=Manila Bulletin}}</ref>
While a secretary of DILG, Abalos began co-hosting the radio program ''DILG sa DZRH Breaktime'' on DZRH and DZRH News Television.<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=DZRH NEW |author-link=DZRH |user=dzrhnews |number=1765299989197234272 |date=March 6, 2024 |title=Corro: Bago mapasa kami ng kanya-kanyang ordinansa, kailangan konsultahin muna natin ang Department of Energy at Land Transportation Office #DILGsaDZRH #SamaSamaTayoPilipino |script-title= |trans-title= |language=Filipino |retweet= |location= |access-date=March 7, 2024 |link= |quote= |ref=}}</ref>
On September 26, 2024, it was officially announced that Abalos was named to the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate, confirming his candidacy for the 2025 Senate election. Abalos was officially deemed resigned as DILG Secretary after he filed his candidacy on October 7, with Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla succeeding him as the DILG Secretary on October 8.<ref>{{cite news|last=Magsambol|first=Bonz|date=October 7, 2024|title=Benhur Abalos vies for Senate seat, resigns as DILG chief|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/benhur-abalos-runs-files-certificate-candidacy-senator-2025/|access-date=October 7, 2024|work=Rappler|language=en-US}}</ref> Abalos would go on to lose the election, he landed at 16th place with 11,580,520 votes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-13 |title=Abalos concedes defeat in Senate race |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/13/news/abalos-concedes-defeat-in-senate-race/2112010 |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Comelec releases final senatorial ranking in the 2025 elections |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/05/16/2443547/list-final-senatorial-ranking-2025-elections |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>
==Horse racing== Abalos is a pioneer of horse racing in the Philippines since 2004. He said he mounted his first horse in Baguio. His first race horse was Dandansoy.<ref name="Benhur Abalos sets bar high">{{cite news |last1=Cinco |first1=Lito |title=Benhur Abalos sets bar high|url= https://www.manilastandard.net/?p=341049|accessdate=June 1, 2024 |publisher=Manila Standard |date=December 2, 2020}}</ref>
In 2005, he became the leader of Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners (MARHO) and the 7th top breeder.<ref>{{cite web | title=Top 10 Breeders – October | | url=https://philracom.gov.ph/top-10-breeders/ }}</ref> In the 2007 Triple Crown, his Ibarra, won its two legs.
As of 2012, Abalos won five legs of the Philippine Triple Crown races from his "Fire Down Under", which is just one of 12 Tiger Horse Farm-ranch broodmares in Lipa, Batangas. Hagdang Bato, became the first horse since 1990 to win the highly coveted Crown.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maniego |first1=Butch |title=Newest track hero|url= https://www.spin.ph/horse-racing/newest-track-hero|accessdate=June 1, 2024 |publisher= |date=July 6, 2012}}</ref>
In 2015, Abalos' was named Breeder-Owner of the year, after his horses, including Malaya and Hagdang Bato won 6 trophies and earned almost {{Philippine peso|30 million|link=yes}} in prizes. Bienvenido Niles Jr., President of Philippine Thoroughbred Breeders Association (Philtobo) bestowed the awards.<ref>{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=Abalos garners 6 major awards in 17th Philtobo Racing|url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20150218/281968901124745 |accessdate=June 1, 2024 |via= PressReader|date=February 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1= Moreno|first1= Nilda |title=Batang Manda dinomina ang Road to Triple Crown|url= https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/pm-sports/2024/04/16/2348042/batang-manda-dinomina-ang-road-triple-crown|accessdate=June 1, 2024 |publisher= The Philippine Star|date=April 16, 2024}}</ref>
In 2017, Abalos' Kanlaon and Lakan, won Marho Breeders Championship while his Malaya won the MARHO Invitational Race.<ref>{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=P11M staked in Cojuangco Cup, MARHO Classic races|url= https://www.philstar.com/sports/2017/11/11/1758128/p11m-staked-cojuangco-cup-marho-classic-races|accessdate=June 1, 2024 |publisher= The Philippine Star|date=November 11, 2017}}</ref>
In 2019, Abalos and Atty. Narciso O. Morales opened the Metro Manila Turf Club, Inc. (MMTCI).<ref>{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=Landmark Dates|url=http://www.philracom.gov.ph/racing-info/history |accessdate=June 1, 2024 |publisher=philracom.gov.ph |date=May 1, 2004|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131213094924/http://www.philracom.gov.ph/racing-info/history|archive-date= December 13, 2013}}</ref>
In 2020, his Heneral Kalentong's win earned a Triple Crown victory, with {{Philippine peso|6 million|link=yes}} in prizes.<ref name="Benhur Abalos sets bar high"/>
Abalos Jr. is listed in the top 10 of the 2021 breeders' honor roll, with 46 wins.<ref>{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=Esguerra Farms tops breeders' honor roll for 2021|url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2022/02/19/2161865/esguerra-farms-tops-breeders-honor-roll-2021 |accessdate=June 1, 2024 |publisher=The Philippine Star |date=February 19, 2022}}</ref> His top horses include Pinagtipunan, 2016, The Glide, 2017, Parisian Life, 2023, Open Billing-Prime Billing, 2023<ref>{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=Open Billing pinakamabilis sa Philracom rating based|url= https://www.abante.com.ph/2023/08/13/open-billing-pinakamabilis-sa-philracom-rating-based/|accessdate=June 1, 2024 |publisher=abante.com.ph |date=August 13, 2023}}</ref> and Batang Manda, 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=Parisian Life banderang tapos|url=https://www.abante.com.ph/2023/12/03/parisian-life-banderang-tapos/ |accessdate=June 1, 2024 |publisher=abante.com.ph |date=December 3, 2023}}</ref>
On December 8, 2024, Abalos created horse racing history when his longshot 3-year old bay colt "Batang Manda" (Ultimate Goal-Posseleft, ridden by veteran jockey Patricio Ramos Dilema, under horse trainer Claudio C. Angeles) won, and claimed the {{Philippine peso|7.2 million}} (of {{Philippine peso|12 million}} purse, the biggest prize in Philippine horse racing history at the time)<ref>{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=P12-million Presidential Gold Cup horserace slated Sunday|url= https://qa.philstar.com/sports/2024/12/06/2405444/p12-million-presidential-gold-cup-horserace-slated-sunday|accessdate=December 8, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star |date=December 6, 2024}}</ref> in the 2024 Philracom-PCSO 52nd "Presidential Gold Cup Race" 5, {{convert|2000|m|sp=us}}, half-length in 2:06.8.<ref>{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=Philippines Horse Racing Live Batang Manda|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc4xSNtpRxU|accessdate=December 8, 2024 |work= YouTube|date=December 8, 2024}}</ref>
==Controversies== [[File:PNP and Abalos with Alice Guo.jpg|thumb|Secretary Abalos and PNP chief Rommel Marbil (right) accompanying Alice Guo (center) during her deportation proceedings in Indonesia. This photo was negatively received due to Guo and the officials' cheerful demeanor in spite of Guo's then-fugitive status.<ref name=outrage>{{cite news|last=Cepeda|first=Mara|title=Outrage in Philippines over officials' photos with fugitive ex-mayor Alice Guo |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/outrage-in-philippines-over-officials-photos-with-fugitive-ex-mayor-alice-guo|access-date=September 7, 2024|work=The Straits Times|date=September 6, 2024|language=en}}</ref>|alt=Guo sits on a couch with two men on either side of her. Guo is smiling at the camera while making two V signs.]] In 2001, Abalos was sued by the Office of the Ombudsman for graft due to alleged ₱1.8-billion irregularities in Mandaluyong city projects during his mayoralty term. However, Ombudsman Aniano A. Desierto dismissed the case on May 13, 2001, due to lack of evidence, adding that Abalos performed due diligence by establishing a special committee in May 2000 to investigate the alleged missing funds, titles, and assets of the city.<ref>{{cite news |title=Graft case dismissed|url= https://www.philstar.com/metro/2001/05/13/86503/graft-case-dismissed|accessdate=January 6, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=May 13, 2001 }}</ref>
In September 2024, Abalos was criticized for his perceived warmness toward fugitive Alice Guo when he traveled to Indonesia to process her deportation, with a photo of him and PNP chief Rommel Marbil documenting a private meeting with Guo receiving particular attention by critics for its bad optics.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lazaro|first1=Jacob|last2=Aurelio|first2=Julie M.|title=Alice Guo 'celebrity' selfies spark outrage|url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/248204/alice-guo-celebrity-selfies-spark-outrage|access-date=September 8, 2024|newspaper=Inquirer News|publisher=INQUIRER.net|date=September 7, 2024|location=Manila, Philippines|archive-date=October 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004023237/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/248204/alice-guo-celebrity-selfies-spark-outrage|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2024, former President Rodrigo Duterte filed a malicious mischief case against Abalos and Philippine National Police officers on the 15-day arrest of Apollo Quiboloy operation in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. In November, Abalos submitted his counter-affidavit with the Department of Justice denying the allegations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pulta |first1= Benjamin |title=Abalos refutes malicious mischief raps over KOJC raid|url= https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1238478|accessdate=November 22, 2024 |work=Philippine News Agency |date=November 22, 2024}}</ref>
==Personal life== ===Family=== Abalos is married to Carmelita "Menchie" Aguilar, the incumbent vice mayor of Mandaluyong, since 1985.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://metromanila.politics.com.ph/2021/02/03/charisse-abalos-marks-what-wouldve-been-her-grandparents-61st-wedding-anniversary/|title=Charisse Abalos marks what would've been her grandparents' 61st wedding anniversary|website=Politiko Metro Manila|access-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref> He met her when she joined Binibining Pilipinas representing Cavite.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://politics.com.ph/watch-mana-sa-mommy-mandaluyong-mayor-menchie-abalos-once-joined-bb-pilipinas-as-miss-cavite/ | title = WATCH <nowiki>|</nowiki> Mana sa mommy! Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos once joined Bb. Pilipinas as Miss Cavite|date=August 11, 2021|website=Politiko|access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref>
They have six children: identical twins Charisse Marie (Charisse) and Ciara Marie, Benjamin III (Benjie), Charlene Marie, Maria Corazon (Corrine), and Celine Marie.<ref name="CoM" /> Ciara Marie died in 2005 at age 19 due to an ''Escherichia coli'' bacterial infection.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2005/04/24/275077/mandaluyong-congressman146s-daughter-dies-infection|title=Mandaluyong congressman's daughter dies from infection|first1=Sandy|last1=Araneta|first2=Non|last2=Alquitran|date=April 24, 2005|publisher=The Philippine Star|access-date=August 6, 2021}}</ref>
Two of his children also entered politics; Charisse served as councilor from the 1st district of Mandaluyong from 2013 to 2022, while Benjamin III serves as councilor from the 2nd district since 2019. Maria Corazon is one of the delegates for Miss Universe Philippines 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wheninmanila.com/mandaluyongs-corrine-abalos-a-delegate-for-miss-universe-philippines-2021/|first=Sky|last=Gavin|title=Mandaluyong's Corrine Abalos a Delegate For Miss Universe Philippines 2021|website=When in Manila|date=July 20, 2021|access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref>
Abalos is the uncle of politician Jonathan Clement Abalos.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quismorio |first=Ellson |date=July 19, 2023 |title=Solon calls b-day celebrant DILG chief Abalos his 'tito idol' |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/19/solon-calls-b-day-celebrant-dilg-chief-abalos-his-tito-idol |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}</ref>
===Health=== Abalos was diagnosed with dyslexia during his younger days. In an interview with Kara David on GMA's ''Powerhouse'', he also admitted that he was a slow learner.<ref name=powerhouse>{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/publicaffairs/powerhouse/360815/mayor-benhur-abalos-on-powerhouse/story/|title=Mayor Benhur Abalos on 'Powerhouse'|date=May 13, 2014|accessdate=February 4, 2025|website=GMA News Online|language=Filipino}}</ref>
Abalos was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer in the 2010s, which he attributed to the stress caused by the imprisonment of his father Benjamin Abalos from 2011 to 2012 due to allegations of manipulating the 2007 Philippine Senate election in Cotabato. He underwent early cancer treatment and detection. He was declared cancer-free when his father was acquitted of the charges in mid-2010s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radyo.inquirer.net/11177/mandaluyong-city-mayor-benhur-abalos-cancer-survivor|title=Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos, cancer survivor|first=Dona|last=Dominguez-Cargullo|date=October 9, 2015|website=Radyo Inquirer 990 AM|language=Filipino|accessdate=January 6, 2025}}</ref> Brought about such experience, he later advocated early cancer detection and improved healthcare during his time as DILG Secretary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-advocates-for-cancer-early-detection-improved-healthcare/NC-2024-1039|title=Abalos advocates for cancer early detection, improved healthcare|website=Department of the Interior and Local Government|date=March 4, 2024|accessdate=January 6, 2025}}</ref>
On July 25, 2020, Abalos tested positive for COVID-19, after his parents contracted the disease. He later claimed that it had affected him minimally.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/30/ex-comelec-chair-benjamin-abalos-sr-recovers-from-covid-19/|title=Ex-Comelec chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. recovers from COVID-19|first=John Aldrin|last=Casinas|date=July 30, 2020|accessdate=January 6, 2025|work=Manila Bulletin}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/26/ex-mandaluyong-mayor-benhur-abalos-tests-positive-for-covid-19/|title=Ex-Mandaluyong mayor Benhur Abalos tests positive for COVID-19|first=John Aldrin|last=Casinas|date=July 26, 2020|accessdate=January 6, 2025|work=Manila Bulletin}}</ref> In an interview on ''24 Oras'', he admitted to have self-medicated using Lianhua Qingwen, which he received from Bongbong Marcos, who had also contracted the disease, that led to his first recovery.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/751409/benhur-abalos-self-medicated-with-lian-hua-from-bongbong-marcos-after-contracting-covid-19/story/|title=Benhur Abalos self-medicated with Lian Hua from Bongbong Marcos after contracting COVID-19|date=August 14, 2020|accessdate=January 6, 2025|website=GMA News Online}}</ref> On October 10, 2022, Abalos tested positive for the disease once again, this time as an asymptomatic carrier.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/10/11/2215729/abalos-tests-positive-covid-19|title=Abalos tests positive for COVID-19|first=Marc Jayson|last=Cayabyab|date=October 11, 2022|access-date=January 6, 2025|publisher=The Philippine Star}}</ref>
==Filmography== Abalos made a cameo appearance in an episode of the GMA drama series ''Black Rider'' that aired on May 30, 2024, showing him in his duties as DILG secretary.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/dilg-chief-benhur-abalos-cameo-appearance-gma-show-black-rider-may-2024/|title=What for? DILG chief Abalos makes a cameo appearance in GMA drama show|date=May 31, 2024|access-date=May 31, 2024|publisher=Rappler}}</ref> In June 2024, he played alongside his family on the game show ''Family Feud''. In November 2024, Abalos guest-starred in another GMA drama series called ''Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law'', showing him in his duty as a lawyer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2024/11/17/2400775/willie-araw-araw-na-kumakampanya-sa-kanyang-programa/ |title=Willie, araw-araw na kumakampanya sa kanyang programa |author=Rula, Gorgy |date=November 17, 2024 |website=Pilipino Star Ngayon |access-date=November 19, 2024}}</ref> In January 2025, ahead of the 2025 Philippine Senate election campaign period, Abalos has hosted ''Benhur Abalos: Stories of Tomorrow'' on TV5,<ref>{{Cite tweet|author=TV5|author-link=TV5 (Philippine TV network)|user=TV5manila|number=1875035803455508744|date=January 3, 2025|title=From presenting true stories of hope, resilience, and kindness among Pinoys hanggang sa paglatag ng epektibong bayanihan ng komunidad at gobyerno, ihahatid 'yan mismo ni Benhur Abalos!|script-title=|trans-title=|language=Filipino, English|retweet=|location=|access-date=January 6, 2025|link=|quote=|ref=}}</ref> as well as another guest appearance in the GMA drama series ''Mga Batang Riles''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-31 |title=Abalos in the spotlight |url=https://malaya.com.ph/entertainment/abalos-in-the-spotlight/ |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Malaya Business Insight |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vivar |first=Vinia |date=Feb 20, 2025 |title=Benhur Abalos, na-challenge kay Katrina |trans-title=Benhur Abalos challenged by Katrina |url=https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/pang-movies/2025/02/20/2422848/benhur-abalos-na-challenge-kay-katrina |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=The Philippine Star}}</ref>
A television drama special ''Sa Gitna ng Unos, the Benhur Abalos Life Story'' aired on GMA Network on February 1, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 1, 2025 |title=Benhur Abalos: Mga pagsubok at pagbangon sa serbisyo publiko |url=https://bandera.inquirer.net/406160/benhur-abalos-mga-pagsubok-at-pagbangon-sa-serbisyo-publiko |access-date=April 21, 2025 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=tl}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{commons category-inline}} {{s-start}} {{s-par|ph-lwr}} {{s-bef|before=Neptali Gonzales II}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the House of Representatives from Mandaluyong|years=2004–2007}} {{s-aft|after=Neptali Gonzales II}}
{{s-off}} {{s-bef|before= Benjamin Abalos}} {{s-ttl|title= Mayor of Mandaluyong|years=1998–2004}} {{s-aft|after=Neptali Gonzales II}} {{s-bef|before= Neptali Gonzales II}} {{s-ttl|title= Mayor of Mandaluyong|years=2007–2016}} {{s-aft|after=Carmelita Abalos}} {{s-bef|before= Danilo Lim}} {{s-ttl|title= Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority|years=2021–2022}} {{s-aft|after=Romando Artes<br><small>Officer-in-charge</small>}} {{s-bef|before= Eduardo Año}} {{s-ttl|title= Secretary of the Interior and Local Government|years=2022–2024}} {{s-aft|after=Jonvic Remulla}} {{s-end}}
{{Bongbong Marcos Cabinet}} {{Chairpersons of MMDA}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Abalos, Benhur}} Category:1962 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century Filipino lawyers Category:20th-century mayors of places in the Philippines Category:21st-century mayors of places in the Philippines Benhur Category:Ateneo de Manila University alumni Category:Bongbong Marcos administration cabinet members Category:De La Salle University alumni Category:Chairpersons of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Category:Duterte administration personnel Category:Filipino campaign managers Category:Filipino educators Category:Filipino radio personalities Category:GMA Network (company) people Category:Lakas–CMD (1991) politicians Category:Mayors of Mandaluyong Category:Members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from Mandaluyong Category:Metro Manila city and municipal councilors Category:Partido Demokratiko Pilipino politicians Category:Partido Federal ng Pilipinas politicians Category:Secretaries of the interior and local government of the Philippines Category:TV5 Network people Category:Filipino racehorse owners and breeders