Castro welcomes Marcos Jr.’s ‘endorsement’ of ‘Ante Kler’ nickname

MANILA — For the first time since appointing her, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has addressed Palace Press Officer Claire Castro as “Ante Kler” — a moniker that many in the public use for her. 

How did Castro feel about the mention at the Kapihan with Media in Singapore?

Castro said it was heartwarming.

“Pangulo na ang nagsalita, endorsement iyan. Ibig sabihin, puwede ninyo nang gamitin sa akin ang pangalang ‘Ante Kler’ dahil ang pangulo mismo ay kinikilala tayong ‘Ante Kler’,” she said.

(The president himself used it, so it’s an endorsement. That means you can officially use it to refer to me.)

Castro,a lawyer, denied that the use of her nickname has anything to do with the 2028 elections.

“Suporta lang sa pangalang Ante Kler. Huwag kayong mag-alala. Nakaano na ito, pinarehistro ko na ito,” Castro said in jest.

(It is just support for the name.Don’t worry, I have copyrighted it already.)

Castro was appointed Palace press officer in February 2025.

While not officially Marcos Jr.’s spokesperson, her tasks include communicating and defending the president, his administration, and his policies.