**The Role of Messengers: Castro Fires Back at Roque's Salesman Jibe**
In a unexpected turn of events, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro has responded to former Palace mouthpiece Harry Roque's comments about her and ad interim Secretary Jay Ruiz being the administration's "salesmen." During a briefing at Malacañang on Monday, Castro clarified that she and her colleague are not salesmen, but rather messengers of the government.
**Setting the Record Straight**
Castro emphasized that their roles involve conveying the services and programs of the government to the public. She highlighted the significant difference between being a messenger and being a salesman. "It's hard to sell rotten or bad products," she said in Filipino. "We believe that it is indeed difficult to sell when what you're selling requires you to clean up what you're saying."
**Correcting Misconceptions**
Roque had earlier wished Ruiz and Castro good luck in their new roles, implying that they would have a tough time selling the administration to the public. However, Castro was quick to correct him, stating that their approach would not involve using "draconian" tactics or peddling half-truths.
**The Importance of Transparency**
In her response, Castro emphasized the importance of transparency in government communication. She noted that messengers like herself and Ruiz are tasked with conveying information in a clear and honest manner, without resorting to sensationalist or manipulative techniques. "We are not here to sell the President or the government," she said firmly. "We are messengers."
**A New Era of Governance**
The exchange between Castro and Roque has sparked debate about the role of communication in governance. While some may view Roque's comments as a clever jab, others may see them as an attempt to undermine the administration's messaging efforts. However, Castro's response has set a new standard for transparency and integrity in government communication.
**Conclusion**
As the nation enters a new era of governance, it is essential that we approach communication with honesty and transparency. Undersecretary Claire Castro's words serve as a reminder that being a messenger involves conveying information in a clear and honest manner, rather than selling a product or peddling half-truths. By setting this tone, the PCO has established itself as a beacon of integrity and professionalism in government communication.
**Keywords:** Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Undersecretary Claire Castro, Harry Roque, messenger, salesman, transparency, honesty, governance
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