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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCO vows full cooperation with Senate inquiry

PCO vows full cooperation with Senate inquiry

Published Nov 29, 2025 07:17 am
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro and Senator Robinhood Padilla (File photos)
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro and Senator Robinhood Padilla (File photos)
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said it will “fully cooperate” with a Senate inquiry into its performance, even as it expressed disappointment over allegations that the agency has been spreading unverified or misleading information.
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after Senator Robinhood Padilla filed the Senate resolution following a series of disagreements with the PCO over messaging decisions and alleged inconsistencies in official communication.
In a press briefing, Castro said the PCO “welcomes” Padilla’s resolution and will assist lawmakers in clarifying how government programs are communicated to the public.
“According to [PCO] Secretary Dave Gomez, full cooperation ang PCO upang malinawagan at matulungan ang Senado sa kanilang trabaho (the PCO will fully cooperate to help clarify matters and assist the Senate in its work),” she said.

‘Sad’ and ‘disappointing’

Castro, however, admitted she was disheartened by the senator’s conclusions about her office.
“It’s kind of sad,” she said.
“It’s kind of disappointing because had he watched, viewed the press briefing in full, he would have observed and witnessed how we deal with the government programs and government projects for the people,” she added.
Padilla earlier claimed that the PCO had issued unverified, inconsistent, or potentially propagandistic information that contributed to confusion about government policies.

On criticism of her communication style

The senator also alleged that public commentary has described some PCO communications — particularly Castro’s briefings — as combative, rhetorical, or lacking in data-based clarity.
Castro brushed off suggestions that these criticisms were directed at her, but reiterated that the agency is ready to face scrutiny.
“We welcome the filing of the resolution,” she said, quoting PCO Secretary Gomez.
Castro also responded to Padilla’s earlier move to present an audio clip that allegedly showed her engaging with a “troll.”
“Well, I guess si Senator, he should also provide proof, a piece of evidence of what he is… I don’t want to say accusing, telling us — kind of negative on the part of PCO,” she said.

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Claire Castro PCO Robin Padilla
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