President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday fulfilled his wish to have former Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos help him run the government, appointing him as Secretary to the Cabinet, a post he dissolved in his first executive order when he entered Malacañang in 2022.

“As Cabinet Secretary, Abalos will assist the President by providing timely, relevant, and strategic advice on emerging national, local, and international issues affecting the political landscape,” said Palace press officer Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro.

As Cabinet Secretary, Abalos will help coordinate the Cabinet’s work, facilitate discussions on key government policies and programs, and strengthen interdepartmental coordination to support the President’s priorities.

Abalos took his oath of office in Malacañang on Wednesday afternoon

Castro said Abalos will “serve as the conduit of the President to national government agencies, local government units, political organizations, groups and parties, civil society organizations, and sectoral groups on matters of political concern,” as he may be directed by the Chief Executive.

Aside from his new post, Abalos, a former DILG secretary who lost his senatorial bid in 2025 under the administration ticket, will also head the Strategic Action and Response Office and exercise supervision and control over its constituent offices.