Abes served as director of labor relations during the incumbency of President Ramon Magsaysay. He was labor secretary and concurrently administrator of the Social Security System and chairman of the SSC during the presidency of Diosdado Macapagal.
He served as senior legal consultant for the Garments and Textile Export Board under President Corazon Aquino with President Arroyo who was then its executive director.
He served as director of the Clark Development Corp. during President Fidel Ramos’ term.
Former Speaker and now Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte described the appointment as a "wise choice."
Meanwhile, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) president Democrito Mendoza and Employer’s Confederation of the Philippines president Donald Dee expressed their support for the new SSC chairman.