PRESIDENTIAL Communications Office Secretary Lino Cayetano confirmed Friday that Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro will keep her position, even as officials across the agency submitted courtesy resignations following his assumption of leadership.
Cayetano, who replaced former PCO Secretary Dave Gomez after Gomez failed to secure confirmation from the Commission on Appointments, described Castro as an invaluable asset to the Marcos administration. “Usec. Claire is a treasure in this government; I have not seen anyone who can articulate so well what this government is doing,” Cayetano told reporters.
Cayetano made clear he fully admires and supports Castro’s well‑known “combative” style of defending the administration’s programs and addressing controversies.
“I admire her when it comes to standing up for what this administration is doing and explaining to the Filipino people why we are doing these things,” he stated. Castro has been a consistent presence in Malacañang press briefings since her appointment under then‑chief Jay Ruiz, and continued in her role through Gomez’s tenure. Her retention signals continuity in the Palace’s communications messaging and engagement strategy.
Alongside affirming Castro’s place in the team, Cayetano outlined his broader vision for the agency — emphasizing clearer, more accessible storytelling about government priorities. He called on media partners to give greater attention to topics such as healthcare and other key programs, urging: “Please help us break down the stories and narratives that matter most to the Filipino nation.” The new PCO chief expressed excitement to work closely with Castro and the rest of the team to expand public understanding of the administration’s initiatives.
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