President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Albay representative Joey Salceda as the secretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO). Confirmed on July 21, 2026, the appointment marks Salceda’s return to the Cabinet, tasking him with managing the administration’s policy agenda in Congress following a period of political reorganization.
A Strategic Return to the Cabinet
Joey Salceda’s appointment as the head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) officially brings the veteran lawmaker back into the executive branch. The position holds the rank of secretary, a notable elevation from the previous head of the PLLO, Adrian Bersamin, who was an undersecretary. According to the Inquirer, the appointment letter was signed by President Marcos on July 20, effectively ending Salceda’s hiatus from Cabinet-level service. He last served as presidential chief of staff in 2007 under the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Salceda enters the role after a career defined by extensive legislative and economic experience. He served as a representative for Albay’s 2nd District from 2016 to 2025 and previously represented the 3rd District from 1998 to 2007. GMA Network reports that his parliamentary work included chairing key House committees on appropriations, ways and means, economic affairs, and trade and industry. His recent political history saw him lose a bid for the Albay governorship in the 2025 midterm elections; however, the legal ban on appointing losing candidates expired on May 13, clearing the path for his current Cabinet role.
Reforming the PLLO Under Executive Oversight
The PLLO operates as the primary coordination hub between the executive branch and Congress. Its function has gained renewed focus following Executive Order No. 90, issued by President Marcos in 2025, which reorganized the office to function under the direct control of the Office of the Executive Secretary. This structural change was implemented following the departure of former PLLO head Adrian Bersamin in November 2025, amid allegations linking him to corruption in flood control projects.
Salceda has framed his new mandate as a transformative opportunity rather than a simple administrative role. He emphasized that the office must evolve into a more active policy-driven entity.
“The mandate given to me is to reform and transform the PLLO into a genuine policy office of the President. This administration has been uniquely open to the best ideas from the people. I humbly invite the country’s best minds, especially young people, to share with us your time, your talents, and your energies toward this undertaking.”
Joey Salceda, Secretary of the PLLO
Challenges and Policy Priorities
With his background as an economist and a former investment research director for firms like UBS and ING Barings, Salceda is expected to lean heavily on his technical expertise to advance the President’s legislative agenda. His tenure as a lawmaker was marked by his role as a principal author of major tax legislation, including the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.
Salceda acknowledged the urgency of the task ahead, citing time as the most critical factor for the current administration. He intends to utilize his new position to bridge the gap between the executive branch and broader societal sectors, including the academe and the private sector.
“The most important resource of this administration is time. And with precious time and enduring support for the President in Congress, I humbly accept the immense challenge of passing the remaining major items of the President’s policy agenda.”
Joey Salceda, Secretary of the PLLO
As Salceda transitions into this role, his performance will be measured by his ability to secure support for the administration’s pending legislative priorities. The success of his tenure will likely hinge on his capacity to navigate the legislative landscape and maintain the enduring support
he cited in his acceptance statement, particularly during a period of ongoing economic and policy adjustment for the Marcos administration.
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