Marcos appoints Benhur Abalos as Cabinet Secretary

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. as Cabinet Secretary, reviving a key Palace position he had abolished four years earlier. The appointment, announced on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, redefines the role, with Abalos tasked not with managing Cabinet meetings but with traveling nationwide to represent the President and ensure government services reach the public.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro detailed the new responsibilities following Abalos's oath-taking on Wednesday. She stated the President directed Abalos to go around the country to represent him and to call on Cabinet members to help address public concerns. The primary objective, Castro explained, is to ensure that the services of the government are felt and utilized by every Filipino. All these tasks are outlined in the terms of reference attached to his appointment.

Abalos will serve as a key adviser on political and governance matters, providing strategic advice on emerging national and international issues. His portfolio will center on acting as a conduit between the President and various entities, including national government agencies,...