MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. as Cabinet Secretary, bringing back an office that was previously abolished as part of an administrative reorganization at the start of his term.
The announcement was made Wednesday by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, who said Abalos will formally assume office after taking his oath before the President.
As Cabinet Secretary, Abalos will be tasked with advising President Marcos on political developments and strategic concerns affecting the country. His responsibilities also include coordinating with national government agencies, local government units, political organizations, civil society groups, and other sectors on matters assigned by the President.
He will also oversee the Strategic Action and Response Office, exercising supervision over its constituent offices.
The Office of the Cabinet Secretary was abolished in July 2022 under Executive Order No. 1, which reorganized the Office of the President by removing offices whose functions were deemed overlapping. The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission was likewise dissolved under the same directive.
Marcos had already signaled Abalos’ return to public service during a June 2026 media interview in Kazan, Russia, saying the former DILG chief would take on a more active role in government. The President, however, stressed that the appointment would not come at the expense of any sitting Cabinet member.
The development has fueled speculation about possible changes in the Cabinet, particularly involving the Department of the Interior and Local Government, though Malacañang has yet to announce any reshuffle involving Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
elamigo/xf
