President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confirmed that he has already chosen a replacement for Secretary Benhur Abalos as the head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
In an ambush interview in Capaz, Tarlac, the President revealed that he is considering two candidates for the post but declined to name the next DILG Secretary.
Marcos stated that he will make the official announcement once Abalos has filed his certificate of candidacy for the upcoming elections.
There are speculations that Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers is being considered for the position. Barbers has expressed openness to any government role if offered.
Abalos has previously announced his intention to run in the 2025 midterm elections under the Alyansa sa Bagong Pilipinas.