Claire Castro takes role as Marcos' new comms undersecretary

Lawyer Claire Castro has officially assumed her role as Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and will also serve as the Palace press officer.

Castro, a seasoned trial lawyer, brings a combination of legal and media experience to the position. She holds a degree in political science and graduated cum laude with a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas (UST). She also completed a Master’s degree in law.

Beyond her legal career, Castro has been an advocate for accessible legal services. She was involved in the UST Free Legal Clinic during law school and later led legal aid initiatives as president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) - Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas chapter. She currently operates her own law firm.

Media experience

In addition to her legal work, Castro is recognized for her media presence. She has served as a radio host and legal commentator, offering free legal advice on DZMM’s evening program "Usapang de Campanilla."

She expanded her reach by launching a YouTube channel in 2020, initially focused on legal education. In 2023, she incorporated political and legal commentaries through her podcast, "Batas with Atty. Claire Castro."

Castro took her oath alongside Jay Ruiz, a former ABS-CBN reporter who was sworn in as the new PCO Secretary.

Dismisses dictatorship claims

Shortly after assuming office, Castro addressed former president Rodrigo Duterte’s claims that the Marcos administration is heading toward dictatorship.

“We cannot be swayed by baseless intrigues,” she said in her first media interview. Castro also referenced the case of former senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed under Duterte’s administration on what she described as “trumped-up charges,” adding that the public should not expect anything from Duterte but “intrigues and fabricated evidence.”