Manila – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named Cesar Chavez as the Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications, as announced by Malacañang on Wednesday. Chavez will assume his role under the Office of the President with the rank of undersecretary.
According to Philippines News Agency, Chavez has a background in transportation and media. He previously held positions as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways, Deputy Administrator of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), and a member of the Board of Directors of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. Chavez also has experience in broadcasting, serving as a news anchor and station manager of DZRH, and as chief of staff of former Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso.
Additionally, President Marcos appointed new officials to the DOTr and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Jeremy Regino was designated as DOTr Undersecretary, having previously served as General Manager of the Philippine National Railways and LRTA Administrator, along with roles under former Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, the LRTA, the Philippine Tourism Authority, and former Pangasinan Governors Oscar Orbos and Rafael Colet. Mary Jean Pacheco and Michel Kristian Ablan were named DTI Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary, respectively. Pacheco was previously the DTI Assistant Secretary for Digital Philippines and Officer in Charge of the Consumer Protection Group, while Ablan worked as Undersecretary for Administration at the Department of Education, and held roles in the Presidential Communications and Operations Office under the Duterte administration.