New PCO chief orders political appointees' resignations

New Presidential Communications Office (PCO) chief Dave Gomez has ordered all political appointees in the PCO to submit their unqualified courtesy resignations by Friday, July 18.

Gomez issued a memorandum directing all appointees—except career officials—to tender their resignations no later than July 14, emphasizing that this is standard practice for an internal assessment and to give him leeway in performing his duties.

Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro submitted her resignation on Wednesday in compliance with Gomez's order, aiming to facilitate a smoother transition.

Gomez confirmed that all incumbent PCO undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, directors, heads, and other presidential appointees of the agency's attached agencies must tender their resignations by July 18 as part of ongoing performance reviews.

Officials are instructed to continue reporting for work and performing usual duties until any action is taken on their courtesy resignations.