Manila: Cabinet Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. on Wednesday administered the oath of office to lawyer Bret Monsanto as the new undersecretary of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS).

According to Philippines News Agency, Abalos shared his confidence in Monsanto's legal expertise and experience in public service via a Facebook post, noting that these qualities would help strengthen the OCS' work in coordinating and implementing government priorities. "Congratulations, Undersecretary Atty. Bret B. Monsanto, on your ceremonial oath-taking as Undersecretary of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary," Abalos stated, expressing his optimism about Monsanto's role in advancing coordination and ensuring effective implementation of government priorities.

Before his appointment, Monsanto served as commissioner for the Visayas at the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor. He has also held the position of chief of staff to former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, further showcasing his extensive experience in public service.

The OCS was redefined by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to focus on enhancing government services for the Filipino people, a mission that Monsanto is now set to help advance in his new role.