Lino Cayetano named Marcos’ sixth communications secretary
The Presidential Communications Office has undergone several leadership changes throughout the Marcos administration
Source: Rappler · October 11, 2026 at 12:32 PM · AI-assisted report
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SINGAPORE, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —
Marcos Names PTV Chief Lino Cayetano as Sixth PCO Secretary, Shaking Up Philippines’ Presidential Communications Office
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed People’s Television Network (PTV) General Manager Lino Cayetano as the new Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), marking the sixth leadership change in the agency since his administration took office in 2022. The move follows the rejection of former PCO Secretary Dave Gomez by the Commission on Appointments, forcing an immediate replacement.
The appointment underscores the volatility in Marcos’ communications strategy, with the PCO—a critical arm for shaping executive messaging and media relations—having undergone rapid turnover under his presidency. Cayetano’s promotion signals a shift toward a figure with deep ties to state media, raising questions about the administration’s approach to public communication amid ongoing scrutiny over transparency and political messaging.
Cayetano, a former television director and politician, was confirmed by Marcos during an interview with Philippine media on October 11, following his return from a Singapore trip. The president stated, “Na-bypass si Dave (Dave was bypassed) so I guess immediately, at least, who will take his place will be Lino,” indicating the urgency of the replacement.
His appointment comes less than a year after Gomez assumed the role in July 2025, following a succession of PCO chiefs: Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Cheloy Garafil, Cesar Chavez, and Jay Ruiz.
The PCO, responsible for coordinating the executive branch’s messaging—including policy communication, public relations, and media engagement—has been central to Marcos’ administration. Its frequent leadership changes reflect broader challenges in maintaining consistent narrative control, particularly as the government faces criticism over economic policies, infrastructure projects, and historical controversies tied to the Marcos family legacy.
Cayetano’s background is marked by political and familial complexity. A former Taguig City mayor (2019–2022) and congressman (2013–2016), he is the younger brother of senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, both vocal critics of the Marcos administration. His relationship with Alan has been strained by ideological differences, culminating in Cayetano’s 2025 bid for Taguig’s First District congressional seat—an effort that failed against Ading Cruz, who was backed by his sister-in-law, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano.
Before joining PTV in June 2026 as general manager, Cayetano was a co-founder, producer, and director at Rein Entertainment, with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of the Philippines and a film diploma from the New York Film Academy.
The appointment may signal a strategic realignment in the PCO’s operations, given Cayetano’s media experience and ties to state-run broadcasting. However, his familial connections to opposition figures could introduce new dynamics in an office already under scrutiny for its role in shaping public perception. The PCO’s next steps remain unclear, but the move reinforces the administration’s reliance on rapid personnel adjustments to navigate political and communicative challenges.
For Malaysian and regional observers, the PCO’s instability reflects broader trends in Southeast Asian governments grappling with media influence and public trust. As Marcos’ administration continues to face domestic and international scrutiny, Cayetano’s tenure will be closely watched for its impact on transparency and messaging strategy. The appointment concludes with no immediate further announcements from the PCO, leaving the focus on how the new secretary will steer the office’s direction.