by Isabella Magno

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assigned film director Paul Soriano as the Presidential Adviser for Creative Communications on Monday, October 17. 

Cheloy Garafil, Office of the Press Secretary Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary, informed the public that Soriano will take his oath in Malacañang Palace on the same day. 

Soriano was first tapped as the new press secretary on October 5 after Lawyer Trixie Cruz-Angeles stepped down from her post on October 4.

According to an ABS-CBN News Report, Soriano said, “Yes, there was a conversation, but I feel that the position needs more qualified people to help the president. I can be of better service behind the scenes working with the president‘s media and communications team.”

Paul, a nephew of First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos, has been seen supporting the president since the beginning of the campaign season alongside his wife, Toni Gonzaga. 

Additionally, Soriano had directed President Bongbong Marcos’ first State of the Nation Address, as well as the First 100 Days Recap.

What does a presidential adviser on creative communications do?

As the announcement was made, several individuals, including Makabayan Partylist member Teddy Casiño, expressed through social media their disbelief regarding the president’s proclamation. 

“Can anyone tell me ano ang trabaho ng isang presidential adviser on creative communications,” Casiño asked in a Tweet. 

He went on to say that he had never heard of the position and that he was interested in learning more about the duties associated with such a position in the government.

Based on the “Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989” or the Republic Act 6758, Soriano, as a presidential adviser with a Salary Grade 31, shall receive a salary of at least Php 273,278 every month. 

Thumbnail from Paul Soriano’s Facebook