Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos as cabinet secretary, returning him to the administration after his failed bid for the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections.
Abalos resigned as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in 2024 to pursue a Senate seat.
Press officer Claire Castro on Wednesday, June 8, said the appointment fulfills Marcos’ earlier statement that he wanted Abalos to again serve in the Cabinet.
“Minsan na po siyang tinanong kung magiging parte ng kabinete niya si dating DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. at sinabi naman po niya na nais naman niyang makatrabaho rin ang dating DILG Secretary.” said Castro.
[Translation: He (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) was previously asked whether former DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. would become part of his Cabinet, and he said he wanted to work with the former interior secretary again.]
Marcos said in June that he wanted the former official to have a role in the administration.
Castro said Abalos will assist the president by providing “timely, relevant, and strategic advice” on emerging national, local, and international issues affecting the political landscape.
She added that Abalos will serve as the president’s conduit to national government agencies, local government units, political organizations, civil society groups, and other sectoral organizations on political matters.
He will also head the Strategic Action and Response Office and exercise supervision over its constituent offices.
Abalos was a former chairman of the Commission on Elections and mayor of Mandaluyong City.
