Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro retains Palace post as Cayetano reviews PCO leadership

MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro will remain in her position despite an ongoing evaluation of officials and personnel under newly appointed PCO Secretary Lino Cayetano.

Cayetano confirmed the decision on Friday, October 23, as he outlined plans to strengthen the government's communication strategy and improve how public programs and policies are explained to Filipinos.

He described Castro as a valuable member of the administration, praising her ability to communicate government positions and respond to issues involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The PCO chief said he intends to work closely with Castro in making government information more accessible and understandable to the public.

Cayetano backs Castro's assertive communication style

Cayetano also expressed support for Castro's outspoken approach when responding to criticism of the administration.

Asked whether he would encourage her to soften her remarks, the communications chief said he saw nothing wrong with her assertiveness, provided that discussions remain focused on explaining government policies and their intended benefits.

He maintained that Castro's communication skills would be important in helping the administration address public concerns and clarify its positions on national issues.

Under Cayetano's proposed approach, Cabinet secretaries and agency officials may be invited to provide more detailed explanations of government initiatives, while Castro would continue communicating the administration's official positions.

The PCO also plans to expand its engagement beyond digital platforms through direct discussions with students and residents in universities, barangays, and other communities.

PCO officials undergo continuing evaluation

Meanwhile, Cayetano confirmed that PCO officials had submitted courtesy resignations as part of an internal review following the leadership transition.

He clarified that the evaluation does not necessarily mean an immediate reshuffle, as decisions concerning personnel and agency operations would be made progressively.

The assessment will also cover the PCO's attached agencies, including government-run media organizations, to determine how their operations and services can be improved.

Cayetano emphasized that the department's priority is to deliver timely and reliable information while strengthening its relationship with the media and the public.

The review will continue under his leadership, with Castro retaining her role as Palace Press Officer.

Remulla offers ₱50-M reward for Bato dela Rosa's arrest, warns he is 'armed and dangerous'

MANILA, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced a ₱50-million reward for the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday, October 23, as authorities continue efforts to locate the lawmaker over an outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.

Remulla also described Dela Rosa as “armed and dangerous,” raising concerns about the risks involved in taking the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief into custody.

Dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity of murder connected to the anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The senator has remained out of public view since leaving the Senate premises on May 14, following an attempt by authorities to serve the ICC warrant. He has not been convicted of the allegations.

Government previously warned of possible armed confrontation

The latest announcement follows Remulla's earlier disclosure that Dela Rosa was believed to be in Mindanao under the protection of a powerful armed group.

On October 19, the DILG chief said authorities were pursuing negotiations to secure the senator's surrender, warning that a forced operation could lead to casualties and potentially wider violence.

Remulla also acknowledged that authorities missed an opportunity to arrest Dela Rosa when he resurfaced at the Senate in May.

The ICC arrest warrant was publicly unsealed on May 11. Dela Rosa subsequently left the Senate complex in the early hours of May 14 while authorities were attempting to take him into custody.

The National Bureau of Investigation had previously classified Dela Rosa as “armed and dangerous” during the manhunt in May. At the time, NBI Director Melvin Matibag explained that the classification was a precautionary assessment used when serving warrants, rather than confirmation that a subject was carrying a weapon.

The ₱50-million reward marks a new development in the government's efforts to secure Dela Rosa's arrest, although the terms and procedures for claiming the reward were not specified in the reference.

Authorities have yet to announce that the senator has been taken into custody.

‍