Claire Castro to remain Palace press officer as Lino Cayetano reshapes PCO

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 25, 2026

Photo courtesy: Multiple Sources

MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro will retain her position under Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Lino Cayetano, who expressed confidence in her ability to explain and defend the Marcos administration’s policies.

Cayetano confirmed the decision on Friday, October 23, amid an ongoing review of PCO officials following the agency’s leadership change.

“Usec. Claire is a treasure in this government,” Cayetano said, praising Castro’s communication skills and her ability to explain government decisions to the public.

He also expressed enthusiasm about continuing to work with Castro, particularly in making the administration’s programs and policies easier for Filipinos to understand.

Castro retains post amid PCO leadership changes

Cayetano’s decision comes as PCO undersecretaries and assistant secretaries submitted courtesy resignations following his appointment.

The resignations allow the new communications chief to assess the agency’s leadership and determine whether personnel changes are necessary.

However, Cayetano made clear that he intends to keep Castro in her current role.

The PCO chief said the review would be conducted gradually rather than through an immediate reshuffle. Some changes could take place within days, while others may require several months.

Cayetano took his oath on October 13 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him to replace former Communications Secretary Dave Gomez, whose appointment had been bypassed by the Commission on Appointments.

He previously served as mayor of Taguig City and general manager of state-run People’s Television Network (PTV).

Cayetano supports Castro’s approach to Palace briefings

Despite Castro’s often assertive responses to critics of the administration, Cayetano said he sees no need to change her communication style.

He described her ability to respond to criticism and explain government decisions as one of her strengths.

However, Cayetano wants Palace briefings to place greater emphasis on providing clear information about government programs and explaining how these policies affect ordinary Filipinos.

He also proposed inviting relevant Cabinet secretaries and department officials to brief the media directly on specific government initiatives.

The approach, he said, would help the public better understand the reasons behind policy changes and the administration’s priorities.

PCO plans stronger media presence outside Metro Manila

Beyond personnel changes, Cayetano is looking to expand the PCO’s reach through proposed “analog offices” in different parts of the country.

These facilities would serve as local hubs and workspaces for government and private media, allowing journalists and communications personnel to operate closer to the communities they cover.

The initiative is part of Cayetano’s plan to strengthen the agency’s presence outside Metro Manila while improving the delivery of government information.

Castro will continue leading Palace press briefings as Cayetano reviews the agency’s operations and prepares changes aimed at improving public communication.