With his 3Ps Minus One strategy- or “programs and policies minus the politics”- newly appointed Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez vowed on Friday to promote transparency, press freedom, and digital transformation under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“I am grateful to the President for the trust and confidence, and I intend to repay that trust with my 100% commitment and focus on this role,” Gomez said in a message.

Accompanied by his family, Gomez took his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin around 3 p.m. in Malacañang. A symbolic turnover of leadership followed, with outgoing Secretary Jay Ruiz handing over the PCO flag.

The turnover of office and responsibilities was witnessed by PCO undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and other officials.

Gomez was officially welcomed by Ruiz and the rest of the executive staff.

In his first message, Secretary Gomez acknowledged the contributions of Secretary Ruiz, thanking him for his service and the warm welcome extended by the PCO family.

“A healthy democracy depends on an informed public. That’s why we must continue to promote government transparency, safeguard press freedom, and defend every citizen’s right to free speech,” Gomez said.

“Access to information is not a privilege—it’s a cornerstone of accountability and public trust,” Gomez added.

Gomez also laid out his communications strategy anchored on what he called “3Ps Minus One.”

“My role as PCO Secretary will be to communicate and socialize the programs and policies of the President minus the politics. This is what I call my 3Ps Minus One. Programs, Policies minus Politics,” said Gomez.

Looking ahead, he shared his vision for a more agile and digitally empowered PCO.

“I see the PCO as taking an active role in expanding the digital footprint of the administration,” he said. “We intend to do this by advancing digital transformation within the PCO.” | PND