Claire Castro stays as Palace Press Officer

Metro Manila, Philippines - Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro is keeping her post as Palace Press Officer, PCO chief Dave Gomez has confirmed.

In a special order dated July 29, Gomez confirmed that Castro will continue to serve as the official spokesperson, leading press briefings and public communications on behalf of the Office of the President and the PCO.

This follows her earlier courtesy resignation, submitted in compliance with Gomez's directive for all political appointees to step down by July 18 as part of internal realignment.

"Yes, this is confirmed," Gomez told reporters Wednesday. "She is doing a fine job!"

Castro, a lawyer and podcast host, was originally appointed to the role in February under then-Secretary Jay Ruiz. With her retention, she is tasked with managing media briefings, issuing official statements on presidential engagements, coordinating with media offices, and overseeing communication materials. She reports directly to the PCO Secretary.

The special order notes that Castro’s confirmation will not result in any additional compensation or new plantilla position and is effective immediately.

Gomez also confirmed that no new appointees have been made within the PCO as of yet.

Not an attack dog

In a previous interview with NewsWatch Plus, Castro shrugged off critics calling her an “attack dog” of the administration.

Castro says she’s simply doing her job in defending the president, the government’s accomplishments, and standing up against what she calls fake news.

“If that makes me an attack dog,” she says, “then they must be the garapata [tick].”