Mocha Uson’s role in PCOO questioned by House of Representatives

• Congress questioned Uson’s role at the PCOO.
• This was after President Duterte’s office requested for the assistant secretary’s presence in out-of-town trips.

The House of Representatvies questioned Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson‘s role in the government agency.

This was after President Rodrigo Durete‘s office requested Uson to tag along in their out-of-town trips.

In one budget hearing, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said, “Yung mga biyahe po ni Presidente na kasama po si Asec. Mocha, siya po ay nire-request ng Office of the President to join the trip.”

Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate questioned Uson’s role at the PCOO because if it’s to post on social media about the agency’s campaigns, she can still be seen posting in her personal blog even during office hours.

“I’ve been also accessing ‘yung kaniyang blog, ‘di naman ‘yun PCOO nakalagay doon. ‘Yung kaniyang pino-post parang ginagawa niya while performing her duty as employee of the government as assistant secretary, pero ‘yung mga output niya, correct me if I’m wrong, may mga output na naka-upload din sa ating regular agencies.

“I’m still confused ano ba talaga ‘yung function? Very unclear ang function ni Asec Mocha. As a former journalist ako’y nababagabag doon sa wala tayong accountability.”

Her role in the government’s federalism campaign was also questioned due to the vulgar video that she and her “Good News Game Sh0w” co-host Andrew Olivar made.

It was criticized by netizens as it contained words such as “i-pepe” and “i-dede” which are said to be inappropriate for the campaign.

The PCOO admitted that Uson did receive a warning from the government, reminding her of her duties as a government official. The agency also underwent fact finding because of the incident.

“Hindi po kami nanonood lang sa mga nangyayari. Nakikinig din kami at may ginagawa po ang aming opisina para po ma-direct ‘yung opisina ni Asec Mocha.”

It was said that the video was a violation of the Republic Act 6713 also called as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

According to the PCOO, they will release a Media Gender and Equality guidebook on Tuesday, September 11.