‘Not an attack dog’: Ruth Castelo named new OVP spokesperson

Metro Manila, Philippines - The newly-appointed spokesperson for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said she will not be an “attack dog” in speaking on behalf of the institution led by VP Sara Duterte.

The appointment of former Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo as the new spokesperson was announced in a press briefing on Wednesday, July 9.

Castelo is the third spokesperson of the agency since Duterte assumed office in 2022, following Reynold Munsayac and Michael Poa.

The former Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) official said she applied for "any position" in the office early this year.

“I see myself in her kasi (because) she never says die… I believe in her and of course she is a direct extension of her father who I served for the full 6 years term,” Castelo said.

Asked about Duterte’s directive to her, the new spokesperson said she was told not to be an “attack dog.”

“I will not go on the offensive. I will just report. I'll be straightforward. Report on what message the Office of the Vice President needs,” Castelo said.

Castelo said she signified her intention to speak on behalf of the agency even before Undersecretary Claire Castro was appointed as Palace press officer. She added her appointment has nothing to do with the recent move of the House of Representatives to appoint an institutional spokesperson.

The new spokesperson said she applied for the job to “return or give back” to the country after her exit from the DTI.

Castelo, who served as undersecretary in 2016, left the department in 2023 after being placed “on a floating status.”