Palace Press Officer Submits Courtesy Resignation
In compliance with the new PCO chief’s order, Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro promptly submitted her courtesy resignation on Wednesday. This move is part of the ongoing restructuring within the Presidential Communications Office under the leadership of its recently appointed head.
During an interview on 105.9 True FM, Castro explained that she immediately tendered her resignation following instructions from PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez. “This will give [Gomez] the leeway to choose the people he wants to work with at the PCO. Of course, it is better if he is familiar with the people with whom he will be working with,” she stated.
PCO Leadership’s Call for Courtesy Resignations
On July 14, Acting Secretary Gomez issued a memorandum directing all political appointees in the PCO to file their unqualified courtesy resignations by July 18, subject to civil service laws and regulations. The memo clarified that until further action is taken, all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, directors, and other presidential appointees should continue performing their usual duties.
This means that unless Gomez formally accepts Castro’s resignation, she remains in her position as PCO undersecretary. Castro confirmed she has no knowledge of any complaints from the Palace or calls for her removal from the PCO.
Standing Firm Amid Speculations
Castro also denied reports that Malacañang principals requested her to step back from daily briefings or soften her responses to the press. “I think all they expect of me is to deliver the truth. Whatever I know and hold to be true, that is what I will stand for,” she emphasized.
Castro’s Role and Public Reception
A lawyer and podcaster with a strong online following, Castro was appointed at the PCO in February alongside former Acting Secretary Jay Ruiz. As press officer, she has regularly led briefings at the Palace, effectively serving as a spokesperson for the Marcos administration.
Her responsibilities extend beyond presidential matters. Recently, she addressed questions on online disinformation and the heated exchanges between the Marcos administration and the family of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Her straightforward and sometimes sharp responses have earned both praise and criticism from various political groups.
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