Broadcaster and former lawmaker Precious Castelo now PCO undersecretary

Broadcaster and former lawmaker Precious Hipolito Castelo has been appointed as an undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office.

Castelo announced her designation in a Facebook post on Thursday, adding that she is excited and determined to fulfill her new role in public service.

She took her oath on Wednesday before PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez.

“Malaki po ang aking pananabik na muling makabalik sa serbisyo publiko – sa panahong napakahalaga ng tamang impormasyon at bukas na komunikasyon sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at mamamayan,” Castelo said.

(I am eager to return to public service, especially at a time when accurate information and open communication between the government and the people is very important.)

“Isa itong bagong yugto ng aking buhay, puno ng pag-asa, dedikasyon, at inspirasyon na patuloy na magbahagi ng tama at makabuluhang impormasyon para sa kapakinabangan ng lahat,” she added.

(This is a new chapter in my life that is filled with hope, dedication, and inspiration to share accurate and meaningful information for the benefit of all.)

Prior to her appointment to the PCO, Castelo worked as a radio broadcaster in state-run Radyo Pilipinas.

She served as Quezon City 2nd District lawmaker from 2019 to 2022, during which she was appointed as House assistant majority floor leader in 2019.

Before this, she was a Quezon City councilor from 2010 to 2019.

In 2024, criminal charges were filed against Castelo for alleged anomalies in the handling of assistance for cash-for-work beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. — JMA, GMA Integrated News