Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro announced her intention to submit a courtesy resignation as part of the reorganization of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) under newly appointed acting Secretary Dave Gomez.
“Opo. Meron po. Kasama po tayo doon [resignations],” she told True FM on Wednesday, July 16.
She added that she would file her resignation immediately: “Ngayon ho.”
The move allows Secretary Gomez, who took his oath last week, to reorganize his team and appoint staff he feels are best suited to implement the administration’s communication agenda.
“Para mabigyan din po siya ng leeway na makapamili kung sino po ang mga tao na pwede niyang makasama,” she said.
Asked whether she had been asked by President Marcos or First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to soften her tone in media briefings, Castro replied that she had always been respectful but assertive.
“Malumanay naman po ako. Nagkakataon lang po siguro na may mga pagkakataon na dapat labanan ang fake news,” she said.
She also denied being told to step back from daily briefings or to “tone down” her delivery.
“Mahirap naman kasi na mag-acting ako,” Castro said.
Castro added that she was unaware of any specific complaints or calls for her removal, and maintained that her actions had always been guided by service to the Filipino people. (Argyll Geducos)
