By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro will keep her post as Acting Communications Secretary Lino Cayetano orders all undersecretaries and assistant secretaries of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to submit courtesy resignations.
Cayetano confirmed Friday, October 23, that he would not accept Castro’s resignation, describing her as a valuable asset to the Marcos administration.
“Usec. Claire is a treasure in this government,” he said, praising her ability to articulate government policies and defend the administration’s actions.
Cayetano also commended Castro’s combative approach to addressing public issues but stressed the need to balance forceful responses with direct explanations from relevant Cabinet officials.
He said the PCO’s personnel review would be an ongoing process, with decisions on the submitted resignations coming at different times. He provided no deadline for completing the evaluation.
Cayetano also hinted at an initiative that would involve Castro, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the office’s presence on the ground amid growing digitalization.
He assumed leadership of the PCO after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the replacement of Dave Gomez on October 11. Cayetano took his oath on October 13, becoming the sixth communications chief under the Marcos administration.
ia/xf
