MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro will remain in her position under the new leadership of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), with Acting Communications Secretary Lino Cayetano praising her ability to defend and explain the policies of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Cayetano confirmed Castro’s retention on Friday, October 23, 2026, as PCO officials submitted courtesy resignations following the agency’s latest leadership transition.
Calling Castro a “treasure” to the government, Cayetano said he admired her ability to articulate the administration’s position on government programs, policies and controversial issues.
“I haven’t seen someone who can articulate so well what this government is doing,” Cayetano told reporters, according to reports from Philstar and TV5.
His remarks indicate that Castro will continue serving as one of the administration’s most visible public communicators despite the broader review of personnel following the change in leadership.
Courtesy resignations put PCO leadership under review
Cayetano said undersecretaries and assistant secretaries had been asked to submit courtesy resignations, a practice commonly used in government during leadership transitions. The submissions allow a new agency head to assess personnel and decide who will remain in key positions.
However, submitting a courtesy resignation does not automatically mean an official has been removed. The resignations must still be considered by the incoming leadership.
According to Philstar, Cayetano did not provide a fixed timetable for deciding on the other resignations. He indicated that personnel decisions would be part of an ongoing evaluation, with some decisions potentially taking days and others months.
Castro’s retention therefore stands out amid the wider review of the communications office.
Cayetano backs Castro’s assertive style
Cayetano also defended Castro’s combative approach to answering questions and responding to criticism of the administration.
Rather than asking her to abandon that style, he said he viewed it as one of her strengths. He emphasized, however, that government briefings should provide the public with clear explanations of policies and decisions.
The new communications chief also suggested involving the relevant government departments and Cabinet officials when more detailed explanations are needed.
The objective, he indicated, is not simply to defend the administration but to give Filipinos more information about why government decisions are made and how policies are intended to benefit them.
ABS-CBN News and Philstar likewise reported that Cayetano expressed his intention to continue working closely with Castro.
New PCO chief wants government communications closer to communities
Beyond personnel changes, Cayetano has signaled a broader approach to public communication.
The Philippine Information Agency reported that he intends to build on the work of his predecessor, Dave Gomez, while reviewing the PCO’s programs and its relationship with the Malacañang Press Corps and attached agencies, including People’s Television Network (PTV), Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) and the PIA.
Cayetano has also emphasized the importance of bringing government communications beyond digital platforms and engaging Filipinos directly in communities, barangays and universities.
His approach reflects a focus on making government information more accessible and addressing gaps between official announcements and the public’s understanding of government programs.
He has also encouraged journalists to scrutinize the information released by the agency and challenge officials when necessary.
A new chapter for the communications office
Cayetano assumed leadership of the PCO after Marcos announced the change involving Gomez earlier in October. Gomez’s appointment had been bypassed by the Commission on Appointments.
Cayetano previously served as Taguig City mayor and as representative of the city’s second district. He also became general manager of the state-run PTV-4 earlier in 2026.
His appointment marks another leadership transition for the PCO under the Marcos administration, which has seen several officials lead the government’s communications machinery.
For Castro, remaining in her post means she is expected to continue as a prominent spokesperson for the administration while the new leadership evaluates the office’s personnel, priorities and communication strategy.
The larger question now is how Cayetano will balance the administration’s need to explain and defend its policies with the public’s expectation of clear answers, transparency and accountability.
With the personnel review still underway, the next decisions could help determine the direction of the PCO under its new leadership.
