Claire Castro stays; she’s a ‘treasure in this gov’t’ – PCO Sec. Cayetano

MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro will remain at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) amid a recent leadership change in this office.

This comes as PCO Acting Secretary Lino Cayetano considers her combative approach a “treasure” in communicating Malacañang’s message to the public.

In a media interview on Friday, Cayetano confirmed that appointees under the PCO’s previous leadership have already tendered their courtesy resignations.

Political and non-permanent appointees at the PCO are routinely directed to submit courtesy resignations during a leadership change.

This gesture is meant to give the incoming chief a free hand in reorganizing the office, and to enable the new head to select the members of the new team.

Castro will remain as the administration’s communications undersecretary.

“Usec. Claire is a treasure in this government. I haven’t seen someone who can articulate so well what this government is doing,” Cayetano told reporters.

The PCO chief also expressed support for Castro’s “combative style” in defending the administration and countering attacks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“When it comes to being forceful in defending what this administration is doing and explaining to the Filipino people why we are doing certain things, I admire Usec. Claire in that regard,” Cayetano said.

Rather than asking Castro to tone down her approach, Cayetano said he sees it part of her strength and personality.

“I see nothing wrong with Usec. Claire’s assertiveness. Again, she’s a treasure,” the secretary repeated.

“What is important to me is that we also convey all the important information about this administration’s programs and policies so that the Filipino people can feel their impact, and understand why we are doing these things,” he explained.

Cayetano added, “So I think yes, we can trade punches with anyone. I think Usec. Claire can stand face to face with anyone.”

Castro was appointed undersecretary of the PCO and Palace press officer on February 24, 2025, alongside then-PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz.

Ruiz was replaced by Dave Gomez in July 2025.

Gomez served as PCO chief for one year and three months before Cayetano replaced him in October 2026.

Before Castro, Daphne Oseña-Paez served as the Marcos administration’s primary press briefer from December 2022 to January 2025. She was the first person to hold the role.

In addition to conducting daily briefings with the media and issuing statements, Castro runs a personal YouTube channel with more than 643,000 subscribers.

On the channel, she responds to critics of the Marcos administration in a more pointed manner.

Castro also owns a private law office in Quezon City and served as president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas chapter.

She earned a degree in political science from the University of Santo Tomas before obtaining a Bachelor of Laws degree, graduating cum laude. She also holds a master’s degree in law.

In September 2015, Castro was briefly detained at the Manila Police District headquarters following a confrontation over the arrest of a client.

Castro earned the moniker “Ante Kler” from the netizens, a name she previously told reporters she had trademarked.

Her popularity as the administration’s press officer has fueled speculation that she could be the next justice secretary, a rumor she dismissed as fake news. 

She has also denied reports that she will run for senator in the 2028 national elections, although her name appeared on a recent hypothetical 2028 senatorial preference list.

PCO eyes analog hubs

Meanwhile, Cayetano said he is excited to work with Castro on establishing physical offices nationwide where PCO personnel and provincial stringers can share workspaces and collaborate.

“I think Usec. Claire will also be a big part of that. We really want, in this age of digitalization, we want an analog office,” the secretary commented.

“I think the PCO also needs to focus on being on the ground, being in universities, being in barangays, being in communities with you,” he explained.

The secretary also said he sees debates between the government and its critics healthy, as it is part of democracy.

“Our president has never shied away from critics. In fact, he wants to be asked whether a particular program or policy will help our fellow Filipinos,” he stressed.

“So we have no problem engaging with critics, engaging with bashers. We want more engagement. We want you to challenge us,” he added.

In general, Cayetano intends to make Marcos more accessible to the media and the public. /apl