DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos remained coy on Tuesday, Sept. 17 about his rumored Senate run next year. 

In a chance interview with House of Representatives reporters on the sidelines of the plenary debates on the P6.352-trillion 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), Abalos was once again asked is he would vie for a Senate seat. 

His answer was short and safe. 

“Sa totoo lang, ang partido na lang po ang mag-a-announce nito (The truth is, I'll just let the party make the announcement). The final decision will be up for the PFP,” Abalos said. 

PFP stands for Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the party that heads the administration coalition leading to the May 2025 mid-term elections. 

PFP is chaired by President Marcos himself. Abalos has long been rumored to be part of the 12-man Senate slate to be fielded by the administration alliance next year. 

The Senate hopefuls will have to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) by next month. 

The plenary debate on the DILG's 2025 budget was terminated with no hitches on Tuesday night.