Newly minted Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez on Thursday outlined his vision for the agency, emphasizing clear and timely communication particularly during emergencies.
He said a digital hotline had been set up, integrating the Office of the Executive Secretary, Office of Civil Defense, Presidential Management Staff, PAGASA, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to streamline announcements.
“Before 4 a.m., if necessary, the Office of the President will issue an announcement,” Chavez said, emphasizing that personnel are prepared to make decisions as early as 3 a.m. when severe weather is expected.
“We’ll take the risk (to declare suspensions of classes or government operations) even if it’s sunny at 9 or 11 in the morning,” Chavez said.
He shared plans for a more open Malacañang Press Corps coverage and to tackle fake news by assigning fact-check officers within state media. With the PCO focused on addressing fake news, he urged government officials and the public to refrain from spreading misinformation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. swore in Chavez inside Malacañang, replacing Cheloy Garafil as the new Communication Secretary.
