Former Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. has been named as the new chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Benhur Abalos replaces Danilo Lim, who passed away last week, after testing positive for COVID-19.

Prior to assuming the top MMDA post, Abalos served as the mayor of Mandaluyong City from 1998 to 2004, and from 2007 to 2016. He also served as representative of Mandaluyong City from 2004 to 2007.

His wife, Carmelita, succeeded him as Mandaluyong’s chief executive in 2016 and was reelected in 2019.

Abalos brings with him the benefit of years of experience and wisdom to the bureaucracy, with his exemplary career in public service.

Abalos’ father, Benjamin Abalos, Sr. also chaired the MMDA and was chairman of the Commission on Elections, mayor of Mandaluyong City and a trial judge.