A LITTLE MORE than a year after losing the senatorial race, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos is back in the government following his appointment as Cabinet Secretary.
On the same day that Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro made the announcement, Abalos took his oath.
According to Castro, Abalos will assist the President by providing timely, relevant, and strategic advice on emerging national, local, and international issues affecting the political landscape.
Castro also hinted at other tasks — presidential liaison with national government agencies, local government units, political organizations and parties, civil society organizations, and sectoral groups on matters of political concern.
In addition, Abalos will also reportedly be heading the Strategic Action and Response Office and exercise supervision and control over its constituent offices, Castro said.
Abalos served as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government under the Marcos administration from 2022 to 2024. In 2025, he ran — but failed to notch a senate seat
Prior to Abalos’ appointment, Marcos tapped another loser — reelectionist Francis Tolentino who was appointed as Labor Secretary in May 2025.
The appointments were made after the Constitution’s one-year prohibition for candidates who lost an election.
