Paul Soriano takes oath as presidential adviser for creative communications
Film director Paul Soriano has been sworn in as President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s adviser for creative communications.
Soriano was sworn in on Oct. 17, the same day Officer of the Press Seccretary officer-in-charge Usec. Cheloy Garafil told reporters about the appointment. "Confirmed. [Soriano] will take his oath later," Garafil said.
The film director took his oath at the President's Hall in Malacañang with his wife actress Toni Gonzaga and son Seve by his side.
In a press release, Marcos said Soriano agreed to be paid P1 each year as his salary.
“One of the greatest assets of the Filipino is our creativity, and we must find many ways to highlight that to the rest of the world. And that is what Paul Soriano has already been doing in his career as a filmmaker. And now we have asked him to help us at one peso per year,” Marcos said.
According to the same release, as Presidential Adviser for Creative Communications, Soriano will “advise the Chief Executive and assist departments and agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, on matters that will enhance their information dissemination programs and initiatives."
Soriano, meanwhile, thanked Marcos for his new role.
"It's an absolute honor to be able to serve, first and foremost, of course, for the country and then, of course, for the PBBM administration," Soriano said. "It's a passion of mine to just create and communicate. It's an absolute honor that the President has trusted me with this position."
"You know, in this day and age, you need to do it creatively, and you need to communicate so that the mission and the vision and the message of the President is clearly communicated to the Filipino people," he added.
Soriano graduated Advertising and Marketing Communications from De Anza College in Cupertino, California.
Previously, Soriano was in talks to replace Trixie Angeles-Cruz as press secretary, but he declined.
"I feel that the position needs more qualified people to help the President," Soriano said. "I can be of better service behind the scenes working with the President's media and communications team."
Both Soriano and Gonzaga were supporters of Marcos during his campaign. He even previously directed Marcos' first State of the Nation Address. Soriano is also the nephew of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos through her first cousin, director Gines Soriano.