Newly appointed Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez vowed to uphold government transparency, protect press freedom, and steer the agency into a new era of digital transformation.

Gomez delivered his first official message to the members of the Malacañang Press Corps on Friday afternoon, shortly after being sworn in by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be appointed head of the Presidential Communications Office,” Gomez said, expressing gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for entrusting him with the position.

“I intend to repay that trust with my 100% commitment and focus on this role.”

Gomez also extended his appreciation to outgoing Secretary Jay Ruiz, acknowledging his service and the warm reception extended by the PCO team.

Further, Gomez emphasized the importance of a free and informed press in a thriving democracy.

“A healthy democracy depends on an informed public. That’s why we must continue to promote government transparency, safeguard press freedom, and defend every citizen’s right to free speech,” he said.

He added that “access to information is not a privilege — it’s a cornerstone of accountability and public trust.”

The new presidential communications chief outlined his guiding principle for the PCO’s messaging strategy: what he termed the “3Ps Minus One” — Programs, Policies, minus Politics.

“My role as PCO Secretary will be to communicate and socialize the programs and policies of the President minus the politics,” Gomez explained.

Looking ahead, Gomez said he envisions a digitally empowered PCO, with plans to expand the administration’s digital footprint.

“We intend to do this by advancing digital transformation within the PCO,” he noted, signaling a push toward more accessible and tech-forward communication strategies within the presidential team.

Gomez reaffirmed his intention to work closely with the Malacañang Press Corps, calling for collaboration in disseminating accurate, timely information to the Filipino public.

“Thank you and God bless us all,” he concluded.