Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero told Presidential Communication Office (PCO) officials on Monday, March 3, to be mindful of their public statements since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not appointed an official spokesperson and continues to speak on his own behalf.
The reminder comes amid concerns that newly appointed PCO Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro’s statements during their Palace briefings could be misconstrued as coming directly from the President.
In a weekly presser, Escudero said that officials have a greater responsibility to avoid creating confusion in the absence of a designated spokesperson.
Escudero also expressed concern over the potential implications of officials speaking from platforms bearing Malacañang markings, which could lend an air of presidential authority to their remarks.
The government historically designated the Presidential Spokesperson to articulate the President’s positions on public matters. But on June 30, 2022, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 2, abolishing this position and transferring its functions to the Office of the Press Secretary – now the Presidential Communications Office.
Subsequently, Malacañang established the role of Palace Press Officer under the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). This position involves disseminating information about the President’s activities, policies, and directives. As of February 24, 2025, Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro serves as the Palace Press Officer, conducting regular press briefings to communicate the administration’s messages.
“Everyone at that office serves at the pleasure of the President. But I don’t think she’s the president’s spokesperson. If I remember correctly, the President said he would not have a spokesperson, and that has [been] maintained,” Escudero said in Filipino.
“It’s just saddening that they are standing in a rostrum with a Malacañang marking, so whatever they say, it would always seem as if it’s from the President,” he added.
Marcos has consistently chosen to communicate directly with the public, bypassing the traditional role of a spokesperson. While this approach fosters a sense of accessibility, Escudero said it has raised questions about the clarity and consistency of the administration’s messaging. (TCSP)
