President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday dispelled rumors about an impending Cabinet reshuffle, clarifying that the possible return of former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos would not require any removal of current Cabinet members.
Marcos Addresses Reshuffle Speculations
In a media interview in Kazan, Russia, Marcos emphasized that the Cabinet is functioning well together and there is no perceived urgency for changes at this time. He stressed that the inclusion of Abalos may complement rather than displace current officials.
“I think we have a really good group of people in the Cabinet right now and we are working well together and I don't see the need,” Marcos said.
Abalos' Potential Return
Marcos expressed his desire for Abalos to take on a more active role in government, highlighting his contributions behind the scenes. “Of course, I want Benhur to play a more active role in government. He has been there and he has been helping us in many ways, informally, privately,” Marcos stated.
He added that finding a way for Abalos to help in an official capacity does not necessarily mean someone else has to be removed.
Background on Abalos
Benhur Abalos resigned as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in October 2024 to run for a Senate seat under the Marcos administration’s coalition slate in the 2025 elections. He finished 16th among the senatorial candidates.
Marcos made the remarks in response to a query about who among the Cabinet members might be removed if a revamp were to happen. He stressed that there is no need to “remove somebody to gain somebody else.”
The President’s statement came amid discussions on the country’s energy situation, including power supply and grid conditions in Luzon and Visayas, during a meeting with Department of Energy officials on June 2, 2026, in Malacañang.
