Atty. Claire Castro Biography – Explore the life and career of Atty. Claire Castro, a distinguished Filipino lawyer and media personality. Learn about her early life, education, family background, legal career, media engagements, and recent appointment as the Malacañang Palace Press Officer.
Atty. Claire Castro has established herself as a prominent figure in the Philippine legal community and media landscape. With a career spanning private practice, media engagements, and public service, she exemplifies dedication and versatility. Her recent appointment as the Malacañang Palace Press Officer underscores her significant contributions to the field.
Atty. Claire Castro Biography: Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Clarissa Angeles Castro |
| Profession | Lawyer, Media Personality, Government Official |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Date of Birth | June 27, 1969 |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Law degree (cum laude) from the University of Santo Tomas; Master’s degree in Law |
| Legal Career | Trial lawyer with her own private law office; former head of the IBP – Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas chapter |
| Media Career | Host of “Usapang de Campanilla” (DZMM), co-host of “Usapang Batas” (DZXL News), columnist for Abante, host of the YouTube podcast Batas with Atty. Claire Castro |
| Government Role | Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Press Officer of Malacañang Palace (appointed February 24, 2025) |
| Notable Incidents | Detained and charged in 2015 during a Manila Police District incident; charges against involved police dismissed in 2017 |
| Personal Life | Married to Charlton Seechung; they have two children |
| Social Media | YouTube: Batas with Atty. Claire Castro |
Important Facts
- Educational Excellence: Graduated cum laude with a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas and holds a Master’s in Law.
- Media Presence: Hosted legal advice shows on DZMM and DZXL, and runs a YouTube podcast “Batas with Atty. Claire Castro”.
- Leadership in Legal Community: Served as head of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for the Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas chapter.
- Public Service: Appointed as Undersecretary and Press Officer of the Presidential Communications Office in February 2025.
- Personal Life: Married to Charlton Seechung and mother to two children.
Early Life and Education
Clarissa “Claire” Angeles Castro pursued her higher education at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She continued at UST for her law degree, graduating cum laude, and furthered her studies by obtaining a Master’s in Law. Her academic achievements laid a strong foundation for her legal career.
Legal Career
Atty. Castro has a distinguished career in the legal field. She established her own private law office and led the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for the Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas chapter. Her expertise and leadership have made significant impacts within the legal community.
Media Engagements
Beyond her legal practice, Atty. Castro has been a prominent media personality. She hosted “Usapang de Campanilla” on DZMM, providing legal advice to the public, and co-hosted “Usapang Batas” on DZXL. Additionally, she runs the YouTube podcast “Batas with Atty. Claire Castro”, where she discusses legal matters, making legal knowledge accessible to a broader audience.
Recent Appointment
In February 2025, Atty. Castro was appointed as the Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Press Officer of the Malacañang Palace. She assumed office on February 24, 2025, taking her oath before President Bongbong Marcos. In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing communications and media relations for the Office of the President.
Personal Life
Atty. Castro is married to Charlton Seechung, and together they have two children. Her mother, Teofista Castro, has been a significant influence in her life. In September 2015, Atty. Castro faced legal challenges when she, her partner, and her secretary were detained following an incident at the Manila Police Department. The charges included slander by deed, direct assault, and obstruction of justice.
They were released the following day, and Atty. Castro filed complaints against the involved officers. In December 2017, the Ombudsman dismissed nine police officers after finding them guilty of various offenses related to the incident.
Career Accomplishments and Awards
Throughout her career, Atty. Castro has achieved numerous milestones:
- Legal Practice: Successfully managed her private law office and led a chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
- Media Contributions: Hosted and co-hosted several legal advice programs on radio and online platforms, enhancing public understanding of legal matters.
- Public Service: Appointed as Undersecretary and Press Officer of the Presidential Communications Office, reflecting her commitment to public service.
Specific awards and honors have not been publicly disclosed.
Conclusion
Atty. Claire Castro’s multifaceted career in law, media, and public service highlights her dedication to the legal profession and her commitment to serving the public. Her recent appointment as the Malacañang Palace Press Officer marks a significant chapter in her ongoing journey of professional excellence.
FAQs About Atty. Claire Castro
1. What is Atty. Claire Castro’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a law degree (cum laude) from the University of Santo Tomas, along with a Master’s in Law.
2. What roles has Atty. Castro held in the media?
She hosted “Usapang de Campanilla” on DZMM, co-hosted “Usapang Batas” on DZXL, and runs the YouTube podcast “Batas with Atty. Claire Castro”.
3. What is Atty. Castro’s current position?
As of February 24, 2025, she serves as the Undersecretary and Press Officer of the Presidential Communications Office.
4. Is Atty. Claire Castro married?
Yes, she is married to Charlton Seechung, and they have two children.
5. Did Atty. Castro face legal issues in the past?
In September 2015, she was detained following an incident at the Manila Police Department but was released the next day. Complaints she filed against involved officers led to their dismissal in 2017.
