Castro denies role in Net25 reporter's removal

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro denied on Monday allegations that she was involved in the decision to have a Net25 reporter removed from covering President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Castro stated during a press conference that she is only responsible for answering questions and does not make decisions regarding media accreditation or relations, and also refuted claims made by vloggers alleging personal issues with Eden Santos.

Social media users had linked Castro to the issue due to her interactions with Net25 reporter Eden Santos during Palace press conferences.

The Malacañang Press Corps criticized the PCO's request for replacing Santos, arguing it overreaches its authority and limits press freedom.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also condemned the PCO's actions, suggesting that regular press briefings would be more productive than replacing reporters who ask difficult questions.

Castro emphasized that Santos was just doing her job every time she asked challenging questions during briefings and denied lobbying for Santos' removal.

Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz is expected to address the Malacañang Press Corps' concerns regarding this issue.