MALACAÑANG on Thursday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has redefined the role of newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. to focus on improving the delivery of government services and strengthening public engagement.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said there is no need to issue an executive order to revive the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, insisting that Abalos’ mandate differs from that of the office abolished under Executive Order 1 in 2022.
She said Marcos simply exercised his authority to appoint Abalos and redefined the Cabinet secretary’s role as part of his power to reorganize the executive branch, particularly the Office of the President.
Abalos will not merely manage Cabinet meetings but will ensure that government programs and services benefit communities.
Abalos, who served as mayor of Mandaluyong City and chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, will assist the president in providing leadership in developing, coordinating, and implementing political and constituency engagement initiatives.
