Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. Toto Lozano, Malacanang Photo

MANILA (UPDATE) – As part of the reorganization of the executive branch’s communications office, Malacañang has decided to abolish one of the units under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

An office order, a copy of which was obtained by Palace reporters, quoted PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar as saying that the Strategic Communications Office has been ordered abolished.

In a separate statement, Andanar said one of the reasons for dissolving the communications unit was to "streamline and to adjust to our new comprehensive communications strategy in promoting the policies of the different executive departments."

He said the recent communication programs under the PCOO "increased the demand for the PCOO team to assist other departments" and prompted the "need to restructure our manpower assignments."

The order also states that 20 of the office’s employees shall be assigned and directly supervised by Andanar and PCOO Assistant Kissinger Reyes.

"All other personnel under the Strategic Communications whose name is not included is deemed to have resigned and/or the contract of service expired," the order reads.

PCOO Undersecretary George Puyat clarified that the contracts of those who were not retained have already expired.

"All employees at StratComm are retained. Their recent performance for ASEAN 2017 i.e. Videos, PRs, awareness campaign, etc. were praised, " Puyat said.