President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos appoints Benhur Abalos as Cabinet secretary, according to multiple reports. The appointment comes as Marcos restores a Cabinet secretary post within the Office of the President, placing Abalos back in the Palace’s inner circle. Palace press officer Claire Castro is cited as confirming the designation. The news accounts describe Abalos as a trusted ally and campaign associate of Marcos, and as a former Interior Secretary who is returning to government service after previously losing an election in 2025, as referenced in one report. Both outlets characterize the move as Abalos’ return to the Marcos Cabinet in a new position, following the revival of the Cabinet secretary role at Malacañang. No additional policy agenda or detailed responsibilities tied to the restored post are reported in the provided excerpts. The articles focus on the formal appointment and the reinstatement of the Cabinet secretary function as part of Marcos’ current staffing decisions within the executive branch.