Benjamin Abalos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Abalos Sr.
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Abalos, portrait
|
|
| Mayor of Mandaluyong | |
| In office June 30, 2022 – June 30, 2025 |
|
| Vice Mayor | Carmelita Abalos |
| Preceded by | Carmelita Abalos |
| In office February 2, 1988 – June 30, 1998 |
|
| Preceded by | Roman delos Reyes (OIC) |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Abalos Jr. |
| In office February 25, 1986 – December 1, 1987 Officer In Charge |
|
| Appointed by | Corazon Aquino |
| Preceded by | Ernesto Domingo |
| Succeeded by | Roman delos Reyes (OIC) |
| Chairman of the Commission on Elections | |
| In office June 5, 2002 – October 1, 2007 |
|
| Appointed by | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Alfredo Benipayo |
| Succeeded by | Resurreccion Borra |
| Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority | |
| In office January 20, 2001 – June 5, 2002 |
|
| President | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Jejomar Binay |
| Succeeded by | Bayani Fernando |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Benjamin Santos Abalos
September 21, 1934 |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Political party | Federal (2023–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
PDP–Laban (2017–2023) Lakas (1991–2017) LDP (1988–1991) |
| Spouse |
Corazon de Castro
(m. 1960; |
| Children | 5 (including Benhur) |
| Residences | Mandaluyong, Metro Manila |
| Education | Ateneo de Manila University (A.B.) Manuel L. Quezon University (LL.B) |
| Occupation | Judge |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Benjamin Santos Abalos Sr. (born September 21, 1934) is a Filipino politician. He has served as the mayor of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila multiple times. His terms as mayor were from 1986 to 1987, 1988 to 1998, and most recently from 2022 to 2025.
Mr. Abalos also held important national roles. He was the chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). He also served as chairman of the MMDA. He is the father of Benhur Abalos, who is also a well-known politician.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Benjamin Abalos Sr. was born on September 21, 1934, in Pangasinan. His parents were Ciriaco Abalos and Eufrocinia Santos. He came from a family that did not have much money.
He worked hard to pay for his education. He took on many jobs, including being a janitor, a messenger, and a factory worker. He even worked as a caddy at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. He studied economics at Ateneo de Manila University. Later, he graduated from the Manuel L. Quezon University in 1957.
Public Service Career
Legal Work
Benjamin Abalos Sr. became a lawyer in 1958. He started his career as a prosecutor. Later, he was appointed as a judge. He was even elected as the President of the Judges Association of the Philippines.
He was recognized as the Outstanding Judge of the Philippines for ten years in a row. This shows how dedicated and good he was at his job.
Political Journey
In 1963, Mr. Abalos first tried to become a politician. He ran for vice mayor of Mandaluyong, which was a part of Rizal province back then. He did not win that election.
He ran for mayor of Mandaluyong again in 1980 but lost. In 1986, after a big public movement, President Corazon Aquino appointed him as a temporary leader, called an Officer-in-Charge (OIC), for Mandaluyong.
Leading Mandaluyong
As the temporary leader, he decided to run for mayor in the 1988 local elections. He won and was re-elected two more times in 1992 and 1995. This meant he served the maximum three terms allowed by the Constitution.
During his time as mayor, Mandaluyong became a city in 1994. The city also saw a lot of economic growth. New shopping malls and a marketplace were built. He started housing projects to help families get land and homes. He also created the first office for disabled people in Metro Manila. In 1996, he began a scholarship program for college students. The city also built its first big hospital and a training center for jobs.
Serving Metro Manila
On January 20, 2001, Mr. Abalos was appointed chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). This agency helps manage services and projects across Metro Manila. He held this position for about a year.
Overseeing Elections
On June 5, 2002, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed Mr. Abalos as the chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). This is a very important role, as COMELEC is in charge of making sure elections are fair and orderly. He served in this role until October 1, 2007, when he resigned.
Back as Mayor
In 2022, Mr. Abalos ran for mayor of Mandaluyong again. He won the election by a large number of votes. This marked his return as mayor after 24 years. He served until June 30, 2025. He decided not to run for re-election in 2025.
Family Life
Benjamin Abalos Sr. married Corazon de Castro in 1960. They had five children together. Some of his children also became involved in politics. His sons, Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Jonathan, and his daughter, Maria Corazon, have all served in public office. Benjamin Jr. is currently the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government. His wife, Corazon, passed away on January 25, 2021.
