Presidential Communications Group (Philippines)

Last updated
Presidential Communications Group
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).svg
Seal
Agency overview
FormedJuly 30, 2010;10 years ago (2010-07-30) [1] [2]
Headquarters2nd Flr. New Executive Bldg., Malacañang Compound, Manila
Annual budget₱1.69 billion (2020) [3]
Agency executives
Website www.pcoo.gov.ph

The Presidential Communications Group, or simply the Communications Group, is the collective name for the offices within the Office of the President of the Philippines [lower-alpha 1] and refers to the following positions and offices: the Presidential Spokesperson and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)—formerly known the Office of the Press Secretary.

Contents

The Communications Group is primarily responsible for planning, programming, and coordinating the activities that will most effectively collect information about what is happening in the Executive branch of the government, and getting this information to the media. The Group's other role is to help Filipinos understand government policies and programs, and to shore up support for them.

Presidential Spokesperson

Ph seal office of presidential spokesperson (English).svg

The Presidential Spokesperson speaks on behalf of the President about matters of public interest. Considering the restricted level of access that the media has to the Chief Executive, the Spokesperson is expected to be the primary source of presidential directives in the absence of the President of the Philippines.

The Presidential Spokesperson is not subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, and does not have any specific item or template in government.

The current Presidential Spokesperson is Harry Roque (who succeeded Salvador Panelo) while the Assistant to the Presidential Spokesperson is Atty. Kris Roman of the Duterte administration.

Presidential Communications Operations Office

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is in charge of disseminating the government’s message to private media entities. It exercises supervision and control over state-owned media entities to disseminate the official messages properly and effectively in accordance with the communications plan. It is responsible for the accreditation and authentication of the credentials of foreign media correspondents in line with its primary task to cultivate relations and assist private media entities. [1] During the administration of Benigno Aquino III, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) was named the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

The PCOO head holds a cabinet rank. He/she is assisted by an undersecretary for administration and finance, an undersecretary for operations, a chief of staff, an assistant secretary for legislative affairs, and an electronic data processing division chief. [4]

The PCOO is composed of the following units and agencies:

Units under the Presidential Communications Operations Office

Presidential News Desk

The Presidential News Desk (PND) functions as the newsroom of Malacañang Palace. It gathers and disseminates information, such as press and photograph releases, and official statements from the Palace, on a daily basis.

The PND operates from Sundays to Saturdays, 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It is headed by a chief editor and is composed of a managing editor, deskmen, and reporters. Other units, which support the PND are Electronic Data Processing, Transcription and Monitoring, and Photographs.

Francisco Tatad conceived the PND. He was the Press Secretary to President Ferdinand Marcos. It was then called the Central Desk and was located in the Mabini Building. During the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino, Press Secretary Benigno Teodoro relegated the Central Desk, which became the News and Reportorial Section, as a section of the Presidential Press Staff. Under the Ramos administration, Press Secretary Rodolfo Reyes strengthened presidential coverage and set up the PND.

Philippine Information Agency

Philippine Information Agency Logo.svg

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA), established by Executive Order No. 100, [5] is the main development communication arm of the government. It is under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

The PIA directly serves the Presidency and the executive branch of the national, regional and provincial levels through its 16 regional offices and 71 provincial information centers.

Its core services include: information gathering/research, production and dissemination, and institutional development and capacity-building focusing on alliance-building, networking, communication-related training, consultancy and technical assistance. The PIA is also the advertising arm of the government.

It is headed by a director general and a deputy director general, staff directors in the central office, regional directors in the regional offices, and more than 500 permanent and contractual employees. It works closely with other government agencies, in particular the National Printing Office in the production of information materials.

Its tagline is "Empowering Communities". The PIA works with community stakeholders, including local government units, line agencies, private entities, schools, colleges and universities, civil society organizations, and other groups in ensuring proper dissemination of information at the grassroots level. The agency advocates responsible sharing of information and responsible use of social media. Its current management and personnel work with the mantra and belief that "a well-informed Filipino is an empowered Filipino".

In 2017, the PIA was tasked by PCOO to take the lead in promoting the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and established information kiosks in more than 90 locations in the country and conducted community fora and dialogue with community leaders and local townsfolk.

Bureau of Communications Services

The Bureau of Communications Services is the attached agency of the PCOO that is tasked to provide materials and services related to various functions of the Presidency, PCOO and the general public.

It also produces information materials for state events such as the anniversary of the People Power Revolution, Araw ng Kalayaan celebrations, and others. Director IV John S. Manalili is the bureau's current director.

Presidential Broadcast Staff - Radio Television Malacañang

RTVM Philippines seal.svg

Created by President Corazon C. Aquino under Executive Order No. 297 on July 25, 1987 [6] , the Presidential Broadcast Staff - Radio Television Malacañang is tasked to provide the necessary media services, video and audio, to the incumbent President, to document all official engagements, and to make available to the public accurate and relevant information on the activities, programs and pronouncements of the national leadership.

The agency is involved in television coverage and documentation, news and public affairs syndication of all the activities of the President, either live or delayed telecast through government or private collaborating networks.

Media networks

There are three government-run television networks, namely the People's Television Network (PTV-4), the Radio Philippines Network (RPN-9) and the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13). The Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) constitutes the government radio network.

IBC-13 and RPN-9 were sequestered by the government after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship. However, plans are being made to privatize IBC-13 and RPN-9 within two years to raise money. According to the 2009 report of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), IBC-13 is valued at PHP 3.074 billion while RPN-9 is valued at PHP 1.3 billion. [7] [8]

National Printing Office

National Printing Office (NPO).svg

The National Printing Office (NPO) was established by Executive Order No. 285 on July 25, 1987. [9] Executive Order No. 285 abolished the General Services Administration and transferred its functions to other agencies. Its Government Printing Offices were merged with the printing units of the PIA. The NPO is mandated by Executive Order No. 285 to print forms, official ballots, public documents, and public information materials. [10]

News and Information Bureau

The News and Information Bureau's main aim is to provide services relating to the development and formulation of a domestic and foreign information program for the Government in general, and the Presidency in particular, including the development of strategies for the dissemination of information on specific government programs. It is composed of the following divisions:

OP Web Development Office

The OP Web Development Office, commonly referred to as the President's New Media Team, is responsible for the establishment and management of the President's Official Website and Official Presence on social networking channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. It is also partly responsible for the feedback mechanism of the President wherein it receives the comments, concerns and suggestions through the Contact Us section of the President's website. It is also responsible for the President's Social Media engagement and in maximizing the use of new technologies to further the President's agenda, policies and programs.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office

PCDSPO seal.svg

The Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) ensures that all aspects of communications are covered, to ensure that the administration’s message has been delivered successfully. This includes market research and polling. It devises the communications strategy to promote the President’s agenda throughout all media, and among the many people with whom the administration interacts. This can include, but is not limited to, the State of the Nation address, televised press conferences, statements to the press, and radio addresses. This office also works closely with cabinet-level departments and other executive agencies, in order to create a coherent strategy through which the president’s message can be disseminated. [1]

During the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III, the PCDSPO head held a cabinet rank. The head was supported by a deputy of undersecretary rank, a chief of staff, an assistant secretary for messaging, and an electronic data processing division chief. [4] After Rodrigo Duterte became the President in 2016, the PCDSPO was merged with the PCOO, thus effectively abolishing the PCDSPO. The PCOO was renamed as the Presidential Communications Office before it was reverted to Presidential Communications Operations Office. [11]

Prior to June 30, 2016, the PCDSPO was composed of the following units and agencies, all of which were under the PCOO:

Other officials

As of 2018 present under the Duterte administration:

Undersecretaries

Assistant Secretaries & Other Officials

Division/Section Heads

Attached Agency, Bureau and Office Heads

Controversies

During the Duterte administration, the PCOO has been criticized for various errors and lapses committed by the office, [13] including what one lawmaker called a "revisionist attempt to whitewash the dark years of martial law". [14] The Secretary of the PCOO assured Congress that it will not repeat the office's mistakes. [14]

In March 2018, the News and Information Bureau released a transcript to reporters of an interview erroneously attributed to the President of the Philippines which was in fact an interview with an impersonator. [15]

Notes

  1. Created through Executive Order No. 4 signed by President Benigno Aquino III. [1]

Related Research Articles

Radio Philippines Network Philippine television network

Radio Philippines Network, Inc. (RPN) is a Filipino-based television and radio company based in Quezon City. It is the flagship media property of Nine Media Corporation of the ALC Group of Companies; along with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), and Far East Managers and Investors Inc., owned by the family of company founder Roberto Benedicto, among others, as major shareholders. The network's main offices and transmitter is located at Panay Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle also in Quezon City. Founded by Roberto Benedicto and prior to the privatization, it was the sister station of current government owned and controlled Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation. RPN, along with sister media companies People's Television Network and Philippine Broadcasting Service, forms the media arm of the PCOO.

Peoples Television Network Government Television network in the Philippines

People's Television Network is the flagship state broadcaster owned by the Government of the Philippines. Founded in 1974, PTV is the main brand of People's Television Network, Inc. (PTNI), one of the attached agencies under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). PTV, along with sister media companies Radio Philippines Network (minority-owned) and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, and radio network Philippine Broadcasting Service, forms the media arm of the PCOO. Its head office, studios and transmitter are located at Broadcast Complex, Visayas Avenue, Barangay Vasra, Diliman, Quezon City.

Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation Philippine-based media company

Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) is a Philippine-based media company and VHF television network of the Government Communications Group under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). IBC TV, along with sister media companies People's Television Network and Philippine Broadcasting Service, forms the media arm of the PCOO. Its studios, offices and broadcast facilities are located at the IBC TV Compound, Lot 3-B, Capitol Hills Drive cor. Zuzuarregui Street, Barangay Matandang Balara, Diliman, Quezon City, while its analog transmitter is located at Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City near Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines sales office.

Department of Budget and Management Philippine government department

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Department of Education (Philippines) Philippine government department

The Department of Education is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for ensuring access to, promoting equity in, and improving the quality of basic education. It is the main agency tasked to manage and govern the Philippine system of basic education. It is the chief formulator of Philippine education policy and responsible for the Philippine primary and secondary school systems. It has its headquarters at the DepEd Complex in Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.

Department of Tourism (Philippines) department of the Philippine government

The Department of Tourism is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the regulation of the Philippine tourism industry and the promotion of the Philippines as a tourist destination.

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DWGT-TV Television station in Metro Manila

DWGT-TV, Channel 4, is the flagship station of Philippine-government owned television network People's Television Network. Its head office, studios and transmitter are located at Broadcast Complex, Visayas Avenue, Brgy. Vasra, Diliman, Quezon City. It operates Mondays to Fridays from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 12:00 MN.

Philippine Broadcasting Service Philippine state-owned radio network

Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), also known by its government agency Bureau of Broadcast Services (BBS), is a state radio network in the Philippines. It is owned by the Philippine government under the Presidential Communications Operations Office. PBS operates national radio brands: Radyo Pilipinas 1, Radyo Pilipinas 2, Republ1ka FM1 and Capital FM2, as well as international station Radyo Pilipinas Worldwide. PBS, along with its television network counterpart People's Television Network and sister media companies Radio Philippines Network (minority-owned) and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, which forms the media arm of the PCOO.

Philippine Coconut Authority Agency of the Philippine government responsible for developing the countrys coconut and palm oil industry

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National Telecommunications Commission (Philippines) Filipino government agency

The Philippines' National Telecommunications Commission, abbreviated as NTC, is an attached agency of the Department of Information and Communications Technology responsible for the supervision, adjudication and control over all telecommunications services and television networks throughout the country.

Presidency of Benigno Aquino III Presidency from 2010 to 2016

The Presidency of Benigno Aquino III, also known as the Benigno Aquino III administration and the Noynoy Aquino administration, began at noon on June 30, 2010, when he became the fifteenth President of the Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Aquino is the third-youngest person to be elected president, and the fourth-youngest president after Emilio Aguinaldo, Ramon Magsaysay and Ferdinand Marcos.

Rosalinda Baldoz Filipino politician

Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz is a Filipino lawyer, civil servant, and labor arbiter. She served as Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

The Official Gazette, which is printed by the National Printing Office (NPO), is the public journal and main publication of the government of the Philippines. On the other hand, its website has no power to publish but only uploads what has been published; it is managed by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

Martín Andanar Filipino journalist

José Ruperto Martín Marfori Andanar is a former Filipino television news personality and news anchor, radio commentator, podcaster, audio blogger and voice-over artist who last worked for News5. He is currently the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines under the Duterte administration.

Cabinet Secretariat of the Philippines

The Cabinet Secretariat, formerly the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, is a member agency of the Cabinet of the Philippines which provides support to the President, facilitates the exchange of information, as well as discussing and resolving issues among Cabinet members. The Cabinet Secretary also acts as a coordinator and integrator of the initiatives of the President. The Cabinet Secretariat was created through Executive Order No. 237, s. 1987.

Herminio Coloma Jr.

Herminio "Sonny" B. Coloma Jr. is a Filipino businessman and educator. He was a member of the Philippine Cabinet and Secretary of Presidential Communications Office during the presidency of Benigno S. Aquino III. He is also a professor at the Asian Institute of Management. He assumed the post of executive vice president of the Manila Bulletin newspaper on September 1, 2016.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 02, also known as the Freedom of Information (FOI) Program, on July 23, 2016 in Davao City. The executive order established the first freedom of information (FOI) Program in the Philippines covering all government offices under the Executive Branch. It requires all executive departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices to disclose public records, contracts, transactions, and any information requested by a member of the public, except for matters affecting national security and other information that falls under the inventory of exceptions issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. The landmark order was signed two days before Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address and just three weeks after he assumed the presidency on June 30, 2016.

Harold Clavite Director-General of the Philippine Information Agency

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Presidential Communications Reforms". Official Gazette of the Philippines . Retrieved July 19, 2019.
  2. "Aquino forms media communications group". ABS-CBNnews.com. August 9, 2010. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  3. Aika Rey (8 January 2020). "Where will the money go?". Rappler . Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  4. 1 2 Executive Order No. 4, s. July 30, 2010: Reorganizing and renaming the Office of the Press Secretary as the Presidential Communications Operations Office; creating the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office; and for other purposes Official Gazette of the Philippines - online edition
  5. "Executive Order No. 100, s. 1986". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. 24 December 1986. Archived from the original on 21 March 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  6. 1 2 Executive Order No. 297, s. July 25 1987: Reorganization of the Office of the Press Secretary prescribing its powers and functions and other purposes Official Gazette of the Philippines - online edition
  7. Marcos bucks plan to sell 2 TV networks Inquirer.net 2010-08-10. Retrieved 2010-08-10.(Working Link: PressReader 2010-08-17. Retrieved 2019-11-13 )
  8. PCGG urges gov’t to fast-track sale of RPN-9, IBC-13 ABS-CBNnews.com. 2010-08-10. Retrieved 2010-08-10.
  9. Executive Order No. 285, s. July 25, 1987: Abolishing the General Services Administration and transferring its functions to appropriate government agencies Official Gazette of the Philippines - online edition
  10. "Mandate | National Printing Office". npo.gov.ph. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  11. Martin Andanar eyes renaming PCOO, Patricia Lourdes Viray, The Philippine Star, June 16, 2016
  12. 1 2 Executive Order No. 348, s. August 11, 2004: Creating the Office of the Communications Director to direct the operations of offices in the public sector mass media and the public information system of the government Official Gazette of the Philippines - online edition
  13. Seares, Atty. Pachico A. (2017-06-02). "Seares: Calling out state media's mistakes". SunStar. Retrieved 2018-03-20.
  14. 1 2 Cayabyab, Marc Jayson. "Andanar owns up to PCOO blunders, vows not to repeat mistakes" . Retrieved 2018-03-20.
  15. Gita, Ruth Abbey (2018-03-19). "Duterte impersonator gives radio interview, fools PCOO bureau". SunStar. Retrieved 2018-03-20.