President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Presidential Assistant on Strategic Communications Undersecretary Cesar Chavez as the new Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). Chavez officially took his oath on September 5, 2024.

Chavez served as Undersecretary for Railways from July 2022 to December 2023, and previously held the role of Assistant Secretary for Rail from September 2016 to February 2017 at the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

From 2014 to 2015, he worked as Assistant General Manager at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

In addition to his public service roles, Chavez also built a career in media, becoming Assistant Vice President and Director for News and Public Affairs at Manila Broadcasting Company, as well as the general manager of the National Broadcasting Corp.

Chavez emphasized his focus on communicating key government policies, particularly on the West Philippine Sea and the “Build Better More” infrastructure program. To combat disinformation and fake news, Chavez has directed state media outfits to appoint fact-check officers to ensure the dissemination of accurate, timely information.