President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez as the Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Chavez's appointment papers signed by Marcos on 5 December showed that he would continue to hold the rank of undersecretary. Chavez's new job is under the Office of the President.

"By virtue, hereof, you may qualify and perform the duties of the office, furnishing the Office of the President and the Civil Service Commission with copies of your oath of office," the appointment papers read.

Last October 2022, Chavez revealed that he was considered for the post of press secretary.

Chavez's name came up a day after the resignation of then press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, who cited "health reasons" for stepping down.

"I was informed that I was being considered for the position. Yes, I was informed," said Chavez, who added that he was "surprised" to be included in the list because "there are more qualified, highly qualified, for that position."

"I expressed no interest in that position," Chavez said in a television interview.

He said he considered the offer and discussed it with his family, despite not actively seeking the position at the time.

Chavez emphasized his commitment to being a valuable team member of the Marcos administration.