Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos will have a different take on his new role as Cabinet Secretary, according to Malacañang.The Palace said Abalos was directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to go around the country and &quot;represent&quot; him – veering away from its core responsibility in the past of spearheading Cabinet meetings and facilitating agenda and exchange of information, among others.Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Abalos’ appointment is the ‘President’s way of redefining the CabSec position’ pursuant to his authority to reorganize the executive branch and his plenary power to appoint.“Instead of a CabSec focused on managing the President’s Cabinet meetings, ang utos ni Presidente kay CabSec. Benhur ay siguraduhing nararamdaman at napapakinabangan ng bawat Pilipino ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno,” Castro said in a press briefing Thursday, July 9.“And as CabSec, President Marcos Jr. also directed him go around the country to represent him and call on the cabinet members to help address the concerns of the public,” she added, noting that all tasks are reflected in his appointment’s terms of references.She added that the Cabinet Secretary shall provide “overall leadership and direction in the development, coordination and implementation of political and constituency engagement initiatives”.Castro also confirmed that Abalos’ position is different from Antonio Lagdameo’s Special Assistant to the President.While it is a new Cabinet position, the Palace official said it does not need a new executive order.“Ang function niya ay hindi pang-CabSec. Ang function niya is to help the President. So, iyon ang magiging function niya, siya iyong iikot sa buong bansa para mas mapalawak pa at ma-reach out ang mga kababayan natin,” she said.Abalos is returning to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet after the one-year appointment ban on losing 2025 elections candidates lapsed.Marcos earlier said he will be appointing those who lost in the elections to maximize their talent.The administration earlier abolished the position of cabinet secretary, which provides support to the president and his priority programs.Melvin Matibag, now National Bureau of Investigation director, was the last to hold this position on an acting capacity from March to June 2022.Before that, former lawmaker Karlo Nograles held the position from November 2018 until March 2022.<div><a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/8/benhur-abalos-named-cabinet-secretary-palace-1405">Benhur Abalos named Cabinet Secretary — Palace</a></div>

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos will have a different take on his new role as Cabinet Secretary, according to Malacañang.

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos will have a different take on his new role as Cabinet Secretary, according to Malacañang.

Benhur Abalos to go around PH, ‘represent’ Marcos Jr. as Cabinet secretary – Palace

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Benhur Abalos to go around PH, ‘represent’ Marcos Jr. as Cabinet secretary – Palace

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 09, 2026 04:35 PM PHT

Read More:

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Palace

Malacañang

Benhur Abalos

cabinet secretary

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.