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Programs, Policies, Minus Integrity: How a Tobacco Spin Doctor Became Marcos’ ‘Transparency’ Czar

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Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

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Programs, Policies, Minus Integrity: How a Tobacco Spin Doctor Became Marcos’ ‘Transparency’ Czar

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — July 14, 2025

IN THE Philippines’ grand tradition of ironic political appointments, President Marcos Jr. has outdone himself by naming a former tobacco executive as the nation’s truth-teller. Dave Gomez, who spent two decades polishing Philip Morris’ image, now heads the Presidential Communications Office—promising “policies minus politics” with the straight face of a man who once marketed “light” cigarettes as healthier alternatives. If this were satire, it would be too on-the-nose. But in today’s Philippines, it’s just Tuesday.

1. “3Ps Minus One? More Like ‘Profits, Propaganda, Minus Press Freedom’”

Dave Gomez’s shiny new slogan—“Programs, Policies, minus Politics”—sounds like something a corporate chatbot would generate after binge-watching TED Talks. But let’s decode this Orwellian word salad:

  • “Programs” = Government press releases, now with 30% less accountability!
  • “Policies” = Whatever the Lucio Tan Group doesn’t veto.
  • “Minus Politics” = Minus dissent, minus scrutiny, minus pesky journalists asking about the 116th-ranked press freedom.

Gomez, a former Philip Morris flack, now promises “truthful and timely information.” That’s rich, coming from an industry that spent decades lying about cigarettes causing cancer. “A healthy democracy depends on an informed public,” he declares—while the Philippines trails Afghanistan in press freedom and three journalists have been murdered under Marcos Jr. (RSF 2025 Press Freedom Index).

Barok’s club-rattling wallop:

“Nothing screams ‘transparency’ like a tobacco lobbyist rebranding as a democracy salesman. Next up: Exxon’s CEO heading the Climate Change Commission!”

2. “From Marlboro Man to Malacañang Mouthpiece: A Corporate Coup in Plain Sight”

Gomez’s résumé reads like a “How to Capture a Government” workshop manual:

  • 2000-2023: Spin doctor for Philip Morris, where he mastered the art of selling lethal products with a smile.
  • 2025: Appointed PCO chief, because who better to sell “transparency” than a guy who spent 20 years obscuring the link between smoking and death?

Senator Pia Cayetano isn’t buying it: “A person in this position should call out industries that harm our people—not be one of them.” (Manila Times). But hey, why let public health get in the way of political patronage?

Barok’s club-rattling wallop:

“Gomez left Big Tobacco for ‘public service’—just like a vampire switching to ‘blood conservation advocacy.’”

3. “The Commission on Appointments: Will They Rubber-Stamp or Finally Grow a Spine?”

The Commission on Appointments (CA) must confirm Gomez. Given their track record, expect:

✅ Rubber-stamp approval (See: Every other Marcos crony)
❌ Actual scrutiny (LOL, as if)

Health groups are begging the CA to block him (Inquirer.net, 2025), but let’s be real—when has the Lucio Tan Group’s influence ever lost a fight?

Barok’s club-rattling wallop:

“The CA’s motto: ‘Due diligence? Never heard of her.’”

4. “Barok’s Prescription: How to Fix This Farce”

  • For Gomez: “Investigate the journalists killed under Marcos—not just tweet about ‘digital transformation.’”
  • For Marcos: “Next time, appoint a communications chief who hasn’t spent decades lying for Big Tobacco.”
  • For the Public: “Stop falling for slogans. A ‘politics-free’ PCO is like a ‘cholesterol-free’ lechon—pure fantasy.”

Final Thought: The Only ‘Minus One’ Here Is Accountability

Gomez’s 3Ps Minus One is a scam. The real formula?

Power + Propaganda – Press Freedom = Philippine Democracy™

“But don’t worry—the ‘digital footprint’ is expanding! (Too bad it’s stomping on free speech.)”

🔑 Key Citations

  1. RSF 2025 Press Freedom Index – Philippines ranks 116th, below Afghanistan.
  2. Manila Times: Cayetano Opposes Gomez – Senator slams tobacco ties.
  3. HealthJustice Philippines – Groups urge CA to reject Gomez
  4. Inquirer.net, 2025: Civil society, health groups oppose Gomez appointment as PCO secretary– Groups urge CA to reject Gomez
  5. NUJP on Journalist Killings – 3 journalists murdered under Marcos Jr.

Data hammers:

  • 116th in press freedom.
  • 3 journalists killed under Marcos Jr.
  • 54.1% of Filipinos lack reliable internet.

Barok’s club-rattling wallop of the day:

“Gomez’s ‘depoliticized’ PCO is like a ‘neutral’ casino—owned by the same guys who rig the game.”

Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo

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