PCOO moves out of Palace complex

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the government’s lead communication arm, is no longer at the Malacañang compound and is now renting office space along United Nations Avenue in Manila.

The PCOO has awarded a lease contract for P18.5 million to RHL Properties and Development Corp. on May 24, procurement documents showed.

“Upon the recommendation of the Bids and Awards Committee, a contract for the lease of office space for the PCOO in the amount of P18,564,148.23 is hereby awarded to RHL,” a letter signed by PCOO Assistant Secretary Ryan Vincent Uy read.

A notice to proceed with the lease deal was issued on June 1.

PCOO offices that used to occupy the New Executive Building (NEB) at Malacañang moved to the Times Plaza Building.

Sources said the spaces vacated by the PCOO at the NEB would be occupied by units under the Office of the President.

The Media Accreditation and Relations Office, Presidential News Desk, press briefing room and the press working area remain at the NEB.