Cabinet secretary role redefined

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has redefined the role of the Cabinet secretary following the appointment of former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” D. Abalos, Jr., giving the position a broader mandate to represent the President in the field, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said the appointment was made under the President’s authority to reorganize the Executive branch and his plenary power to appoint officials, adding that no new executive order was needed.

“Instead of a Cabinet secretary focused on managing the President’s Cabinet meetings, the President’s instruction to CabSec Benhur is to ensure that every Filipino feels and benefits from government services,” Ms. Castro said during a news briefing, in FIlipino.

She said Mr. Abalos would travel across the country on behalf of Mr. Marcos, coordinate with Cabinet members and help address concerns raised by local communities.

The Palace abolished the former Office of the Cabinet Secretary under Executive Order No. 1 in 2022 as part of a broader government reorganization, with many of its functions transferred to the Office of the Executive Secretary.

Asked whether Mr. Abalos’ appointment required another Executive Order, Ms. Castro said the Office of the Executive Secretary had advised that none was necessary because the President merely exercised his appointment powers. She added that the position differs from that of special assistant to the President.

She also said that the appointment was not a response to shortcomings among Cabinet members. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking