Palace Press Officer Claire Castro has submitted her courtesy resignation alongside other officials of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), but newly appointed PCO Secretary Lino Cayetano confirmed that she will remain in her position. Speaking to reporters on Friday, October 23, Cayetano described Castro as a valuable member of the administration, calling her a “treasure in this government” despite public criticism of her often confrontational approach during Palace press briefings. The courtesy resignations followed the recent leadership transition at the PCO and form part of the agency’s personnel reorganization process.
Cayetano praised Castro’s ability to explain and defend government policies, saying he had no intention of changing her assertive approach to dealing with questions about the Marcos administration. However, he emphasized the need for Palace communications to focus more clearly on government programs, policy decisions, and their effects on ordinary Filipinos. Rather than discouraging Castro from challenging criticism, the new PCO chief said he wanted to ensure that the administration’s public briefings provide more substantive information about government actions. Castro had previously submitted a courtesy resignation during an earlier PCO leadership transition in July 2025 but was similarly retained.
The decision signals continuity in the Palace’s public communications team despite another leadership change under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Cayetano, who succeeded Dave Gomez earlier this month, now faces the task of improving how the administration communicates with the public while retaining one of its most recognizable spokespersons. Although Castro’s resignation was formally submitted, it does not mean she has been dismissed or is leaving government service. With her position secured, attention now turns to whether Cayetano’s leadership will bring greater clarity, transparency, and responsiveness to Malacañang’s communication with the public.