Manila: Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Wednesday denied reports that she is being considered as the next secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro addressed the rumors during a briefing with Palace reporters. She stated, "Unang-una po, hindi po natin alam kung saan nagsimula iyan so wala pong katotohanan iyan (First of all, we do not know where this started, so there is no truth to that)." Her comments came in response to speculations about her potential appointment as the replacement for Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who has been appointed as the new Ombudsman.

When questioned about the existence of a shortlist for the new DOJ secretary, Castro mentioned that she has not received any information regarding this matter. She assured, "Ngayon, wala pa po sa ating naibibigay na anumang detalye patungkol po diyan. Pero once na nabigay po sa atin, sa inyo ko po unang sasabihin (At this time, we have no details to share about that. But once we receive any information, you will be the first to know)."

Castro, who was appointed as undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office in February 2025, also holds the position of Palace press officer. Meanwhile, Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida has been designated as the officer-in-charge of the DOJ until a new appointment is made for Remulla's successor. Vida, who manages the DOJ's Financial, Administration and Personnel Cluster, is a former mayor of Mendez-Nu±ez town in Cavite province.