Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Albay representative Joey Salceda as the Presidential Legislative Officer with the rank of secretary, as announced by Malaca±ang on Tuesday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the appointment during a press briefing held at the Palace.

According to Philippines News Agency, Salceda will lead the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), serving as the Office of the President's main link to Congress in forwarding the administration's legislative agenda. Salceda, a seasoned economist and lawmaker, has represented Albay in the House of Representatives across several terms and has also served as the governor of Albay. He chaired the House Committee on Ways and Means, where he was instrumental in authoring and sponsoring significant tax reform, investment, and economic measures.

As the chief of PLLO, Salceda will facilitate coordination between the Office of the President and both the Senate and the House to advance the passage of the administration's priority measures. In a statement on Tuesday, Salceda expressed gratitude to the President for entrusting him with the role of PLLO head. He emphasized the value of time and support from Congress in achieving the administration's policy goals.

Salceda also highlighted his return to the Cabinet after nearly two decades, having served as Presidential Chief of Staff in 2007. He expressed his aspiration to act as a conduit for the President, bridging insights from the private sector, academia, and broader civil society.