Abalos nagbitiw bilang MMDA chairman, GM Artes tinalagang OIC

MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA — Sa pagsisimula ng pangangampanya para sa halalan sa Mayo 9 ngayong taon, mangangailangan ng bagong administrador ang Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) makaraang magbitiw bilang chairman si dating Mandaluyong city mayor Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr.

Sa kanyang letter of resignation kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sinabi ni Abalos: “I would like to announce that I am resigning as MMDA Chairman effective the end of business hours of February 7, 2022. I have submitted my resignation letter to the President. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Filipino people as MMDA chair.”

Ikinatuwiran niya na magiging abala na siya sa pangangampanya sa susunod na mga araw bilang kasapi ng UniTeam na sina dating senador Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., at Davao City lady mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio ang tumatakbong presidente at bise presidente.

“The campaign period is fast approaching and I would need to devote my time to Senator Bongbong Marcos’ campaign as his national campaign manager. While I am extremely saddened by this, I wish the agency success in its every program, project, and initiative for the betterment of the metropolis,” pinunto ng outgoing MMDA chairman habang inihayag din na itinalaga niya si incumbent MMDA general manager Romando Artes bilang officer-in-charge ng ahensiya, habang hinihintay ang appointment ng hahalili sa kanya bilang MMDA chairman ng Malacañang.

“GM Artes is a lawyer. He knows everything. However, let me reiterate that the President has the prerogative to appoint the next chairman of the MMDA,” aniya sa pagbibigay halaga sa pagpili niya kay Artes bilang pansamantalang kapalit bilang hepe ng MMDA.

Idiniin ni Abalos, nagpapasalamat siya kay Pangulong Duterte sa pagtitiwala sa kanya at pagkakalagay bilang chairman ng ahensiya.

“I thanked President Duterte for his full trust and confidence in me, most especially for believing in my capability to lead the MMDA,” kanyang pagtanaw sa punong ehekutibo.

(TRACY CABRERA)