President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appoints Benhur Abalos, former Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as Cabinet Secretary, Malacañang announces. The Palace press officer Claire Castro says the appointment takes effect after Abalos takes his oath before Marcos at Malacañang on Wednesday. One report adds that Abalos served as Interior Secretary from 2022 to 2024.
In descriptions of the role, the Palace says Abalos will assist the President by providing timely, relevant, and strategic advice on emerging national, local, and international issues that affect the political landscape. Another Palace statement says Abalos will also travel around the country to represent the President and work to ensure that government services reach and benefit people.
Abalos responds by expressing gratitude for the appointment, according to one report.
