Paul Soriano quits as presidential adviser, says PCO

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Thursday evening confirmed that film and television director Paul Soriano has resigned from his post as presidential adviser for creative communications.

“Presidential Adviser Paul Soriano took a well-deserved break to spend time with his family and newborn daughter. He has since submitted his resignation to prioritize his personal commitments,” PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil said. 

“There is no replacement for the role of Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications for now,” she added. 

During the Senate plenary deliberations on the proposed 2024 budget of the Office of the President (OP) Senator Sonny Angara, the budget sponsor, said Soriano is no longer with the government. 

This was disclosed when Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III inquired about "The nurse who gave the world's first COVID-19 vaccine. A Filipina. We give the world our best. The Philippines” ad campaign which was seen on a London bus.

Pimentel was asking about the person behind the ad campaign in London, noting that the Department of Tourism has launched a different campaign to promote the Philippines.

Angara said the president’s office only saw the ad but was not aware who funded it because it was not from Malacanang.

“Di nila alam…It’s still during the time of Director Paul Soriano. That’s what I am told. Baka siya ang nakakaalam,” Angara said.

This prompted Pimentel to ask, “Wala na ba siya?”

“Wala na po,” Angara responded.  

It was not clear however if Angara was referring to Soriano’s appointment as presidential adviser for creative communications.

 In July, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Soriano was on leave due to personal reasons.

Soriano was appointed to the post last October 17, 2022.—With Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News