BREAKING NEWS: MARCOS APPOINTS NEW PCO AND DICT SECRETARIES
LINO CAYETANO TO LEAD PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS, ROBERT JOSEPH DE CLARO NAMED NEW DICT CHIEF
MANILA, PHILIPPINES | October 13, 2026
LOOK: Two of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s latest Cabinet appointees, Lino Edgardo Cayetano and Robert Joseph Montes de Claro, were seen at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as the administration undergoes another round of leadership changes.
Cayetano, former general manager of the People's Television Network (PTV-4), has been appointed to lead the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), replacing Dave Gomez, whose appointment was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments.
A former mayor of Taguig City, congressman, and television director, Cayetano brings experience in broadcasting, media production, and public service to the government's primary communications office.
Meanwhile, Robert Joseph Montes de Claro, former president and chief executive officer of the Social Security System (SSS), has been appointed as the new secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), replacing Henry Aguda, whose resignation was accepted by President Marcos.
De Claro's appointment was confirmed on Tuesday, with President Marcos citing his extensive background in information technology, corporate leadership, and the digital economy.
NEW LEADERSHIP, MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The appointments come at a time when government communication, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and access to information are increasingly important to national development.
For the PCO, the leadership transition places renewed attention on public information, government broadcasting, transparency, and the communication of government policies and programs.
For the DICT, the new secretary assumes responsibility for an agency central to improving internet connectivity, strengthening cybersecurity, advancing digital government services, and supporting the country's technological development.
As artificial intelligence transforms public communication, education, business, and government operations, both agencies will face increasing expectations to respond to technological change.
THE BIG QUESTION:
Will the new leadership accelerate the Philippines' digital transformation, improve government communication, and expand access to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence?
The coming months will provide an opportunity to assess their policy priorities, institutional reforms, and measurable results.
NEWS AI PH will continue following developments in government technology, digital policy, artificial intelligence, and public communication.
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