PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed circulating speculations of an impending Cabinet reshuffle, clarifying that his plan to appoint individuals who lost in the 2025 elections to government positions does not mean current officials will be replaced.
Speaking to reporters in Kazan, Russia, the President addressed rumors directly, emphasizing that expanding his team is simply a way to bring in more capable leaders to serve the administration and the public.
He specifically mentioned former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos, stating his intention to give Abalos a more active, official role in government, but stressed that this addition will not come at anyone’s expense. “I’ll be very candid. I’ll be very frank with you. Of course, I want Benhur to play a more active role in government. Of course, he has been there, and he has been helping us in many ways, informally, privately,” Marcos said. “I wouldn’t mind finding a way for him to help us in an official capacity. But just because we want him to join, to become, to play a more active part in government doesn’t necessarily mean that somebody else has to be [removed],” he added.
Abalos stepped down as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in October 2024 to run for a Senate seat as part of the administration’s coalition ticket during the 2025 elections. He placed 16th in the senatorial race, falling short of a seat in the upper chamber.
Despite the electoral loss, Marcos expressed continued confidence in Abalos’ abilities and experience, noting that his past service and ongoing contributions make him a valuable asset who can still contribute significantly to national development in a new capacity.
