Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office

MANILA — Newly elected officers of the Manila City Hall Press Club (MCHPC) took their oath of office on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the New Executive Building in Malacañang, Manila.

The ceremony was officiated by Acting Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez, who expressed his support for the press corps’ role in fostering transparent communication between the government and the public.

Among those sworn into office was Jocelyn Domenden, who was named president of the MCHPC.

Also elected were Benjamin Cuaresma of online newspaper Pinoy Aksyon News as vice president; Gene Adsuara (People’s Balita/Secretary), Emmanuel Mortega II (RMN-DZXL/Treasurer), Marvin Empaynado (Peoples Tonight/Auditor), and Crismon Heramis (Remate/Board Chairman).

In a statement following the ceremony, Domenden thanked the members for their trust and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take their oath at the PCO, the government’s leading communications agency.

“This is a significant milestone for our club, and we are truly honored to have this moment at the PCO, as it underscores the importance of our role in the media community,” Domenden said.

The ceremony was attended by key members of the Manila City Hall Press Club, as well as representatives from the media community.

It marked the beginning of a new chapter for the press corps, which continues to play a vital role in ensuring transparency and public accountability.

The new officers of the MCHPC are expected to work closely with the PCO and other media organizations in promoting responsible journalism and fostering closer ties between the government and the public.

ia/mnm

MANILA — Cesar Chavez, Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications, is set to replace Cheloy Garafil as Communications Secretary, marking the third person to hold the position under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Chavez is expected to be sworn in on September 5, according to sources. Garafil, who succeeded Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles in 2022, will reportedly take over as head of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), which manages relations with Taiwan.

Chavez has an extensive background in government and media, having served as Undersecretary for Railways and Deputy Administrator of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). He also held the position of Chief of Staff for former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno but resigned in 2021 due to internal disagreements. Prior to his government service, Chavez was a veteran broadcaster and station manager at DZRH.

With this appointment, Chavez becomes the third Communications Secretary in two years, signaling ongoing changes within the Presidential Communications Office.

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Ni Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Hinirang ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. si Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez bilang Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications, na may ranggong undersecretary.

Inanunsiyo ito ng Palasyo nitong Miyerkoles (05 Dec 2023).

Nilagdaan ni Marcos ang appointment papers ni Chavez noong Martes, ayon sa Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Si Chavez, dating news anchor at station manager ng DZRH, at chief of staff ni dating Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, ay kabilang sa mga naunang kinonsidera ni Pangulong Marcos Jr bilang hepe ng PCO.

Samantala, itinalaga rin ni Marcos sina Mary Jean Pacheco at Michael Kristian Ablan bilang Undersecretary at Assistant Secretary ng Department of Trade and Industry, ayon sa pagkakasunod, at Jeremy Regino bilang Undersecretary of Transportation.

(ai/mnm)