BENHUR ABALOS, BAGONG CABINET SECRETARY

ITINALAGA si dating Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. bilang Cabinet Secretary ni President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at nanumpa mismo sa Pangulo Miyerkules ng hapon.

Ang kanyang trabaho, ayon sa Malacanan, ay bilang “the President’s primary advisory body and provide a venue for policy coordination, information sharing and the resolution of interagency concerns.”

Bago nito, si Abalos ay tumakbo bilang Senador noong 2025 midterm elections. Dati din siyang Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman at alkalde ng Mandaluyong City sa loob ng limang termino.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust and confidence that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has placed in me through this appointment,” ani Abalos sa isang statement.

Dagdag pa niya: “I view this as a continuing opportunity to serve the President, the Administration, and the Filipino people with utmost integrity, dedication, and results. I accept this responsibility with humility and a firm commitment to help ensure that the government works efficiently, cohesively and always in the service of the Filipino people.”

Kabilang sa mga humawak ng nasabing puwesto sina dating lawmaker Karlo Nograles at ngayon ay National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag. (JERRY S. TAN)