MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the frequent leadership changes within the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), explaining that the nature of the communications role constantly transforms to meet shifting political and administrative demands.
President Marcos recently appointed People’s Television Network (PTV) General Manager and former Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano to lead the PCO, making him the sixth official to head the agency under the current administration.
Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Executive noted that Cayetano is no stranger to the administration, having long been a member of their communications circle.
Addressing the high turnover rate at the agency, the President emphasized that the scope of the communications portfolio has transitioned from initial policy formulation and implementation toward handling heavier political dimensions.
“Well, he has always been part of our communications group. And so, you know, we always knew that he was entirely capable of doing the job. And the reason that we keep turning, we have this high turnover is because the job keeps changing in terms of what we are trying to put forward,” Marcos said.
“In the beginning we were talking about policy and now we are talking about—then we started talking about what we had to do in terms of implementation. And then we started having to talk—now we are having to talk about getting more towards the more political aspects of the communications job,” he added.
“So, it keeps changing and that’s why we have to keep restructuring it and to be able to satisfy what… especially the demands that you make upon our Presidential Communications group. So yes, that’s what’s behind that,” the President further stated.
Cayetano officially took his oath of office before President Marcos at Malacañang on Tuesday, October 13. Following the ceremony, the President also administered the oath to the newly elected officers of the Malacañang press groups.
In a subsequent interview, Cayetano shared that the President instructed him to maintain proactive engagement with the media while building upon the foundations laid by his predecessors.
“Para sa akin, ang pinaka importante, I’m building on the strength of every PCO Secretary. Each one of them, I’m gonna, as much as I can, talk to, consult, seek their advice. And tama ‘yung ating Pangulo, it’s a continuous evolution nung communication landscape,” Cayetano said.
Addressing questions regarding his relationship with his siblings—Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Pia Cayetano—amid his new role in the administration, the incoming PCO chief stressed that shared national values transcend political affiliations.
“It doesn’t change anything. Tulad n’yo. tulad nating lahat dito, the most important thing it would bind families together, our values. So, I think regardless kung nassan tayo sa political spectrum ang importante, are we fighting for the same things. And I think, across the political spectrum, many of us even though iba tayong partido, pareho yung mga pinaglalaban natin,” Cayetano remarked.
Closing his remarks, Cayetano appealed for unity to prioritize public service over political divisions moving forward.
“I call on all the President’s critics, all of the President’s supporters, in the next two years, let’s come together, let’s make sure we support programs that will benefit the Filipino people and napakarami na kailangan natin gawin sa susunod na dalawang taon,” he said.