Manila, Philippines — July 18, 2025 — Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro has formally submitted her courtesy resignation, following a directive issued by Acting PCO Secretary Dave Gomez.
The move comes in response to Gomez’s order requiring all PCO appointees to file their courtesy resignations on or before July 18, as part of what he described as a standard transition process within the agency.
In an earlier statement, Gomez explained that the mass courtesy resignation request is a routine measure to allow a review of the current organizational structure and to ensure that key positions are filled by individuals aligned with the agency’s direction and goals.
Gomez also emphasized his intention to prioritize a performance audit of the PCO to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering public information and communication services.
The courtesy resignations do not necessarily mean removal from office but are a gesture of deference and cooperation with the ongoing internal review. It remains to be seen whether Castro and other officials will be reappointed following the audit and evaluation.
