Who Is Claire Castro? From Lawyer and Broadcaster to Palace Press Officer

MANILA, Philippines — Claire Castro is a Filipino lawyer, former broadcaster and public official who serves as an undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office and as a Palace press officer under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Official Palace briefing records identify her as Undersecretary Clarissa Castro. She regularly conducts press briefings in which she announces government actions and communicates the administration’s responses to questions from journalists.

Her appointment to the PCO

Castro took her oath as a PCO undersecretary on February 24, 2025, alongside newly appointed PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz, according to contemporaneous reports. She subsequently became one of the administration’s most visible public spokespersons.

Statements delivered from the Palace podium communicate the administration’s position. They should not be treated as independent court findings, judicial rulings or nonpartisan legal conclusions unless an appropriate institution separately establishes them.

Education and legal work

Published profiles by Esquire Philippines and Daily Tribune report that Castro studied political science and law at the University of Santo Tomas, graduated cum laude from law school and later earned a master’s degree in law.

The same profiles report that she participated in the UST Free Legal Clinic and later served as president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas chapter, where she was involved in legal-aid work.

The available profiles also describe her as a trial lawyer who operated a private law office before entering government. This professional background helped establish her public identity as a legal commentator, although her statements as Palace press officer represent the executive branch’s communications position rather than a court’s determination.

Broadcasting and public legal education

Before joining the PCO, Castro was known to radio and television audiences for discussing legal issues in conversational Filipino. Published profiles identify her with DZMM’s legal-advice program “Usapang de Campanilla,” other broadcast appearances and written commentary.

She also developed an online audience through “Batas with Atty. Claire Castro,” a program that discussed legal questions and, later, current political issues. Her work across law and media explains the combination of legal terminology and broadcast presentation seen in her Palace briefings.

Why she attracts public attention

Castro’s direct responses to political controversies frequently generate news coverage and debate. Supporters may regard her style as forceful, while critics may regard it as combative. Those descriptions are matters of interpretation, not established facts about her professional conduct.

A fair assessment should distinguish between Castro’s verified career record, statements officially attributed to her and opinions expressed by supporters or critics. Connect TV Channel does not endorse or oppose the administration positions she communicates.

What is publicly verified—and what remains private

Reliable public information chiefly concerns Castro’s education, legal practice, media work and government appointment. Details about her family, age or other aspects of her private life should not be repeated solely because they appear on social media or unsourced biography pages.

This profile therefore focuses on her public work and excludes unverified personal claims. It will be updated if the PCO, Castro or another authoritative source publishes material corrections or additional professional information.