Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. back to the government after administering his oath as new cabinet secretary.
“I welcomed Secretary Benhur Abalos back to government service as he took his oath as Cabinet Secretary today,” Marcos said in a social media post on Wednesday, July 8.
The president said Abalos’ return would strengthen coordination across the executive branch.
“His experience in public administration and his dedication to public service will be valuable as we continue to strengthen coordination across government and deliver on our commitments to the Filipino people,” Marcos said.
Malacañang earlier announced Abalos’ appointment, saying he would serve as Cabinet secretary after leaving the Department of the Interior and Local Government to run unsuccessfully for the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections.
As cabinet secretary, Abalos will help coordinate the work of the Cabinet, facilitate discussions on key government policies and programs, and strengthen coordination among executive departments in support of the president’s priorities.
Abalos will lead the president’s primary advisory body and is tasked with coordinating policies, sharing information among departments and resolving interagency concerns.
