MANILA – Newly-installed Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez on Friday pledged to promote transparency in government and protect press freedom under his leadership.
Gomez made the vow, as he met with reporters after taking his oath as the new PCO chief before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be appointed head of the Presidential Communications Office. I am grateful to the President for the trust and confidence, and I intend to repay that trust with my 100 percent commitment and focus on this role,” he told Palace reporters.
“A healthy democracy depends on an informed public. That’s why we must continue to promote government transparency, safeguard press freedom, and defend every citizen’s right to free speech. Access to information is not a privilege – it’s a cornerstone of accountability and public trust,” Gomez added.
As PCO secretary, Gomez said he would focus on what he called “3Ps Minus One” or “Programs, Policies minus Politics.”
“My role as PCO Secretary will be to communicate and socialize the programs and policies of the President minus the politics. This is what I call my 3Ps Minus One,” Gomez said.
“You can expect me to talk about only the programs and policies of the government. Hindi ko office yung politics na (My mandate does not cover politics).”
Gomez also thanked his predecessor, former PCO secretary Jay Ruiz for the warm welcome.
Ruiz accompanied Gomez during his first meeting with Palace reporters.
Gomez took the oath a day after Malacañang announced his appointment as the secretary of the PCO.
He is the fifth to lead the PCO, replacing Ruiz who will serve as board member of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).
Before his new stint, Gomez served as communications director of PMFTC Inc., Philip Morris International’s (PMI) Philippine affiliate, for over two decades.
He began his career as a reporter for The Philippine Star and also worked as director-general of the Philippine Information Agency. (PNA)
