President Ferdinand Marcos Jr appointed former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr as Cabinet Secretary, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Wednesday.

Abalos was a losing senatorial candidate of the administration party in the 2025 elections. Marcos named him for the position following the expiry of a one-year ban on tapping candidates, who lost in the elections.

He was secretary of the interior and local government department from 2022 until 2024.

Abalos was the second losing senatorial bet to be named to the Cabinet. The first one was Francis Tolentino who was named acting labor secretary.

As Cabinet Secretary, Abalos will help coordinate the work of the Cabinet, facilitate discussions on key government policies and programs, and strengthen coordination among executive departments in support of the President’s priorities.

The Cabinet serves as the President’s primary advisory body and providing a venue for policy coordination, information sharing, and the resolution of interagency concerns. PHS-PND