Manila, July 9 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has exercised his "plenary power" to appoint Cabinet Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr., whose redefined role will focus on bringing government services closer to the people, Malacanang said Thursday.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said there is no need for the President to issue an executive order (EO) to reconstitute the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, as Abalos' mandate is different from that of the defunct office.

"CabSec Benhur's appointment is the President's way of redefining the CabSec position, pursuant to his authority to reorganize the Executive Branch, particularly the Office of the President," Castro said.

"The President has the plenary powe...