Photo credit: PCO

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez has confirmed that Undersecretary Claire Castro will remain as the Palace Press Officer, two weeks after she submitted her courtesy resignation in line with the agency’s ongoing realignment.

“Yes, this is confirmed,” Gomez told reporters on Wednesday. “She is doing a fine job!”

Castro, a lawyer and well-known podcaster, has been leading Palace media briefings and is responsible for issuing official statements on presidential engagements, policies, and positions. Her continued service signals a level of continuity in the PCO’s public messaging despite recent leadership changes.

Her retention comes on the heels of a major directive from Gomez, who, on his first day as acting PCO chief, instructed all political appointees in the office to submit their unqualified courtesy resignations by July 18. The move was part of a broader recalibration effort aimed at streamlining operations and ensuring alignment with the administration’s communication goals.

Appointed in February alongside then-acting Secretary Jay Ruiz, Castro has since played a key role in handling Palace media relations. Ruiz was replaced by Gomez earlier this month.

Asked whether any new appointments have been made in the agency, Gomez responded simply: “None so far.”

For now, Castro’s continued presence offers a sense of stability within the PCO’s evolving leadership landscape.