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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Castro 'not applying' for DOJ top post

Castro 'not applying' for DOJ top post

Published Nov 5, 2025 04:47 pm
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro (Mark Balmores)
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro (Mark Balmores)
People opposing the idea of Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro becoming the new Justice Secretary can now rest easy, as she made it clear that she is not keen on applying for the position.
Castro made the clarification when sought for reaction to former senator and former Justice secretary Leila de Lima’s remark that Castro is among the best choices for the position of Secretary of Justice.
The Palace official gladly expressed her gratitude to De Lima, however, she categorically stated that she is not interested in applying for the position.
"Maraming salamat sa pagkukonsidera sa akin pero hindi po talaga po tayo nag-a-apply para maging SOJ (Thank you very much for considering me, but I am really not applying to be the Secretary of Justice)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Nov. 4.
She even took a swipe at her detractors, saying they can now rest easy because she was not pursuing the Cabinet seat.
"So, siguro iyong mga ayaw sa akin na maging SOJ, e, kalma lang. Hindi po tayo nag-a-apply para diyan (So perhaps those who do not want me to be SOJ, keep calm. I’m not applying for that position)," Castro said.
"So iyon po, para mas maliwanag, pero maraming-maraming salamat po kay Congresswoman Leila de Lima for saying those kind words. Salamat po (So that’s it, just to make things clear. But thank you very much to Congresswoman Leila de Lima for saying those kind words. Thank you)," she added.
Last month, Castro also shut down rumors that she was being considered to be the next DOJ chief.
The DOJ post has been temporarily vacant since early last month when President Marcos appointed former DOJ secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the new Ombudsman.
Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida was designated as the department's officer-in-charge, following Remulla's appointment.

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