Atty Claire Castro Biography: Career, Law Firm, Nationality, Children, Husband, Net Worth

Atty. Clarissa “Claire” Angeles Castro (commonly known as Atty. Claire Castro) is a Filipino trial lawyer who gained wide public recognition through a mix of legal practice, radio and podcast work, and — most recently — by serving in the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) as a press officer. Her profile spans courtroom advocacy, broadcasting, and a public-service role that placed her in the national spotlight.

Early life and education

Claire Castro earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and later a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas, where she graduated with honors. She also pursued graduate-level legal studies (LL.M.), building a foundation that would support both her courtroom practice and public-facing commentary on legal issues. These academic credentials are frequently cited in press profiles about her appointment to government service.

Legal career: courtroom and client advocacy

Castro is a practicing trial lawyer who has run her own legal practice in Quezon City. Over the years she has been involved in criminal-defense work and other trial litigation, gaining a reputation as a hands-on advocate for clients. She also served in leadership roles within local chapters of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, using both her legal knowledge and community connections to assist clients and colleagues.

Media career: law on radio, TV and online

Long before holding a government press post, Castro was a familiar voice and face to many Filipinos. She hosted legal-advice segments on radio — most notably Usapang de Campanilla on DZMM (and later segments on DZXL) — and appeared on television talk programming including a 2015 stint on the ABS-CBN show 3-in-1. She also runs a YouTube channel/podcast (often branded as “Batas with Atty. Claire Castro”), which extended her reach from legal clients to a broader public audience seeking practical legal information. Her background in broadcasting helped prepare her for press briefings and public communications roles later on.

The 2015 episode and its aftermath

A widely circulated episode in Castro’s public life came in 2015, when she and companions were briefly detained at the Manila Police District after she challenged police officers over what she said was the warrantless arrest of her client. The video of that confrontation went viral and later resurfaced when she took on a Palace communications role, prompting renewed attention and commentary on the incident. Subsequent administrative findings led to disciplinary action against several police officers in connection with the case. Castro has pointed to the episode as an example of advocacy that crossed into public controversy — and as part of why she warns about manipulated clips and partial reporting.

Appointment to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO)

On February 24, 2025, Atty. Claire Castro was sworn in as an Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office and assumed duties as a Palace press officer. The appointment brought her media experience and legal background together, giving her responsibility for official communications and press briefings at Malacañang. Observers highlighted that her mix of broadcasting experience and trial-law credentials made her a natural choice for a communications role that requires both media savvy and an understanding of legal boundaries.

Style, reputation and public perception

Castro’s public style is direct and unapologetic — traits that helped build a following among people who turned to her for plainspoken legal explanation, but which also create friction in polarized political moments. Supporters appreciate her willingness to “speak plainly” about legal issues; critics have sometimes accused her of combative rhetoric in press settings. Whether praised or criticized, her approach has kept her in the headlines and helped shape a public persona that blends attorney, advocate and communicator.

Resignation and later developments

Reports in mid-2025 noted that Castro submitted a courtesy resignation after changes in the PCO leadership, reflecting routine staff realignments that sometimes follow shifts in top management. Coverage about the resignation and subsequent developments emphasized how high-visibility communications jobs in government can be short and politically sensitive.

Personal life (brief)

Public profiles note that she uses the name Clarissa (Claire) Angeles Castro and that she has family ties mentioned in media bios; however, profiles focus more on her career than private details. As with many public figures, press reporting centers on professional roles and public statements rather than intimate personal matters.

Legacy and what she represents

Atty. Claire Castro’s career touches three overlapping spheres: law, media, and government communications. Her path illustrates a larger trend of professionals who cross between legal practice and public information roles — using media skills to explain, defend, and advocate both in clients’ interests and for public messaging. Her tenure in the PCO also underscores how legal credibility can be marshaled in service of official communication and public relations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is Atty Claire Castro?

A: Clarissa “Claire” Angeles Castro is a Filipino lawyer, broadcaster and (as of Feb 24, 2025) a former Undersecretary and Palace press officer at the Presidential Communications Office.

Q: What is her educational background?

A: She earned a degree in political science and a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), and has completed graduate legal studies (LL.M.).

Q: What media work did she do?

A: Castro hosted legal-advice radio segments (notably Usapang de Campanilla on DZMM and segments on DZXL), appeared on TV talk programs, and runs a YouTube legal podcast.

Q: Was she involved in any controversies?

A: A notable 2015 episode involved her being detained briefly at the Manila Police District amid a dispute over an arrest; a video of the incident circulated widely and later resurfaced when she entered government service. Administrative action followed against several officers connected with the case.

Q: Is she still in the PCO?

A: Reports in mid-2025 said she submitted a courtesy resignation following PCO leadership changes — a fairly common practice when new chiefs take office. Media outlets covered the resignation and its political context.

Conclusion

Atty. Claire Castro’s biography is the story of a legal professional who moved between the courtroom, broadcast studios, and the corridors of government. Whether offering legal advice on radio, explaining the law on YouTube, or handling press duties at Malacañang, she represents a modern model of lawyer-as-communicator. Her career highlights how legal training can translate into public service and media presence — and how high-profile communications roles inevitably attract attention, praise, and controversy in equal measure.