Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 31) — The Palace has ordered the abolition of the Strategic Communications Office (SCO) under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Wednesday.
Office Order No. 26, signed by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, states: “In the interest of the service, the Strategic Communications Office shall be abolished effective immediately.”
While the order did not indicate the reason for abolishing the unit, Andanar said it is part of the reorganization to better provide communication strategies to other offices.
“The main reasons are to streamline and to adjust to our new comprehensive communications strategy in promoting the policies of the different executive departments,” Andanar said.
He added the recent PCOO programs demand additional manpower prompting the need to restructure the department.
Thirteen personnel under the SCO will be reassigned and directly supervised by Andanar, while seven others will be assigned to other units.
Other personnel from the dissolved unit not listed in the order are “deemed to have resigned and/or the contract of service expired.”
The SCO was formerly known as the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, with previous heads including former broadcaster Ricky Carandang and columnist Manolo Quezon III.
