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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abalos to travel nationwide on Marcos' behalf, won't serve as regular Cabinet secretary — Palace

Abalos to travel nationwide on Marcos' behalf, won't serve as regular Cabinet secretary — Palace

Published Jul 9, 2026 03:45 pm
Incoming Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos (File)
Incoming Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos (File)
Newly installed Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. will not serve in the traditional role of Cabinet secretary but will instead make nationwide rounds to represent President Marcos, Malacañang said.
President Marcos has directed Abalos to travel around the country to ensure that government services reach the people, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Thursday, July 9.
“Instead of a CabSec focused on managing the President’s Cabinet meetings, ang utos ni Presidente kay CabSec Benhur ay siguraduhing nararamdaman at napapakinabangan ng bawat Pilipino ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno (the President ordered CabSec Benhur to ensure that services of the government are felt by every Filipino)” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
“And as CabSec, President Marcos Jr. also directed him to go around the country to represent him and call on the Cabinet members to help address the concerns of the public. All these tasks are embodied in CabSec Benhur’s terms of references attached to his appointment,” she added.
The Palace official pointed out that Abalos’ appointment can be considered a new position and the President’s way of redefining the Cabinet Secretary post.
She explained that a new executive order will not be issued as Marcos appointed Abalos through his plenary power.
“Pursuant to his authority to reorganize the executive branch, particularly the Office  of the President. And second, the plenary power to appoint. The President has the plenary power to appoint,” Castro explained.
Asked why the President appointed a Cabinet secretary and whether he sees the need to organize the Office of the President, Castro said Marcos wants effective and widened government services by sending his official instead of a CabSec focusing on managing the President’s Cabinet meetings.
The President appointed Abalos on July 8, bringing back the key Palace position that Marcos abolished at the start of his administration.

Related Tags

President Marcos Benhur Abalos Cabinet Secretary Marcos administration Claire Castro
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