Claire Castro (full name Clarissa Angeles Castro) is a Filipino lawyer, media personality, and government official whose career has spanned law practice, broadcasting, and public service.
In February 2025, she was appointed Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and became the Press Officer for the Philippine presidential palace.
Her journey offers insight into how legal expertise, communication skills and media presence can converge in public service.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Clarissa Angeles Castro
- Stage Name: Atty. Claire Castro
- Born: June 27, 1969
- Age: 56 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Quezon City, Philippines
- Nationality: Filipino
- Occupation: Lawyer, Media Personality, Government Official
- Spouse: Charlton Seechung
- Children: 2
- Net Worth: Estimated between $500,000 – $1 million (as of 2025)
Early Life & Education
Born on June 27, 1969, in Quezon City, Philippines, Castro displayed academic promise early. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), graduating with honours, and subsequently obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree, graduating cum laude. Beyond that, she also holds a Master’s degree in law, underlining her commitment to advanced study in her field. During her time at UST, she was active in legal-clinic work and early legal advocacy.
Legal Career
As a practicing attorney, Claire Castro established her own law firm in Quezon City and served leadership roles in the legal community. She was president of the chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) covering Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas. Her law practice allowed her to engage in trial work, legal aid, and public interest matters, helping to build her reputation as an accessible, visible lawyer.
Media & Public Communication Role
Not content to stay behind legal briefs alone, Castro cultivated a strong media presence:
- She hosted the legal-advice radio show Usapang de Campanilla on DZMM (later DWPM), reaching everyday Filipinos with legal issues.
- She co-hosted the talk show 3-in-1 on ABS-CBN in 2015, discussing legal, social and political topics with a broader audience.
- She runs the YouTube podcast Batas with Atty. Claire Castro, starting in 2020, to further bring legal education and commentary to the public.
Through these platforms she has positioned herself as “Ang Abogada ng Bayan” (“The Lawyer of the Nation”), a lawyer who speaks to the public, simplifies legal issues, and engages in civic discourse.
Government Appointment
On February 24, 2025, Castro was officially appointed Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office and Press Officer for the palace by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In this role she became a key figure in government-communications strategy, press briefing operations, and managing narratives about national government policies. Her background in law, media and public affairs made her a strong fit for the position.
Notable Moments & Controversies
Like many public figures, Castro’s career has had challenging moments. In September 2015, she became involved in a high-profile incident wherein she and associates were briefly detained by the Manila Police District (MPD) after a dispute over a warrantless arrest of her client. The case was subsequently resolved with the dismissal of nine MPD officers for grave misconduct, among other findings.
Such incidents, while controversial, also highlighted her willingness to engage assertively in advocacy and public law-enforcement accountability, which has reinforced her public image as a lawyer unafraid to fight for clients and public interest.
Personal Life
Castro is married to Charlton Seechung and they have two children. She balances her personal life alongside a demanding career in law, media and public service, demonstrating a breadth of responsibilities and commitments.
Impact & Legacy
What sets Claire Castro apart is the melding of three realms: legal advocacy, media communication, and government service. She has shown how a lawyer can translate complex legal matters into public-friendly communication, and then step into a role where that communication becomes part of national governance.
Her work in legal education via radio, television, and digital media has contributed to increased legal awareness among Filipinos. Meanwhile her government role positions her at the intersection of policy, press, and public trust.
She is seen by many as a modern model of a lawyer-communicator in the Philippines, someone who bridges the courtroom, the airwaves, and the government podium.
FAQs
Q: What is Claire Castro’s educational background?
A: She holds a B.A. in Political Science and a law degree (L.L.B./J.D.) from the University of Santo Tomas, graduating cum laude, and also has a Master’s degree in law.
Q: When did she become Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office?
A: She was appointed on February 24, 2025.
Q: What media programs has she been involved in?
A: She hosted the radio show Usapang de Campanilla on DZMM, co-hosted 3-in-1 on ABS-CBN, co-hosted Usapang Batas on DZXL News, and runs the YouTube channel Batas with Atty. Claire Castro.
Q: Has she been involved in any controversies?
A: Yes — In 2015 she was detained briefly after an altercation with MPD officers related to a warrantless arrest of her client. Later, the Ombudsman dismissed charges and ordered disciplining of officers involved.
Q: What is she known for?
A: She is known for being a lawyer who engages the public via media, successfully making legal issues accessible, and now serving in a senior communications role in government. Many call her “Ang Abogada ng Bayan.”
Conclusion
In a time when legal literacy, media access, and transparent government communication are increasingly important, Claire Castro stands out as a compelling figure in the Philippines. Her journey from law student to media host to government communications undersecretary illustrates how diverse experiences can converge into public service. She continues to shape conversations around legal rights, public policy, and government transparency — and in doing so, may inspire a new generation of lawyer-communicators.
Whether you’re following her legal commentary, tuning into her media segments or observing her press-briefing role at Malacañang, one thing is clear: she embodies a modern blend of law, media and governance.
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