Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos has quit his Cabinet post to join the UniTeam of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Abalos will serve as the tandem’s national campaign manager.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Filipino people as MMDA chairman. The past year was filled with intense challenges … Thus, with utmost gratitude, I respectfully tender my resignation,” Abalos said.
“The campaign period is fast approaching, and I am duty-bound to devote my time and energy to Sen. Bongbong Marcos’ campaign as his national campaign manager,” he added in his resignation letter submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte.
The UniTeam, for its part, said Abalos is a huge addition to the campaign, and his role as a national campaign manager is crucial in leading the tandem to victory.
“His sensible and wise leadership experience would play a big factor in leading the UniTeam to its desired victory, which consequently would be a win for the Filipino people,” the tandem said in a statement.
“I decided to join the BBM-Sara UniTeam because I genuinely believe in the unifying leadership espoused by our presidential aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and his running-mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. It’s what we really need, especially that we are emerging from a pandemic,” Abalos said.
“I have known Bongbong for a long time, and I know that he has the experience and the capability to make things better for our country. Among the presidential aspirants, I find his unifying message as sincere and necessary in leading the country towards the road to progress and sustainable development,” Abalos added.
Abalos served as former Senator Bongbong Marcos’ campaign manager for the National Capital Region in the last 2016 elections.
Meanwhile, the proclamation rally of the entire UniTeam slate is scheduled today at the Philippine Arena in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Preparations for the event have started as early as Saturday morning, with volunteers meticulously putting the final touches until Monday evening to ensure that there will be no hitches when the BBM-Sara UniTeam kicks off its campaign.
At least 25,000 supporters from all over the country are expected to troop to the multi-purpose facility, which is tagged by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest indoor arena.
The Philippine Arena boasts of a 55,000-seating capacity, but only 25,000 will be allowed to witness the event in deference to health protocols.