Manila, July 11 -- Newly-installed Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez on Friday pledged to promote transparency in government and protect press freedom under his leadership.

Gomez made the vow, as he met with reporters after taking his oath as the new PCO chief before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

"I am truly humbled and honored to be appointed head of the Presidential Communications Office. I am grateful to the President for the trust and confidence, and I intend to repay that trust with my 100 percent commitment and focus on this role," he told Palace reporters.

"A healthy democracy depends on an informed public. That's why we must continue to promote government transparency, safeguard press freedom, ...