Netizens raise eyebrows at appointment of director Paul Soriano as ‘creative communications’ presidential adviser

Netizens raised collective eyebrows after it was announced yesterday that filmmaker Paul Soriano, husband to Toni Gonzaga, had been appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr as a presidential adviser on creative communications.

Soriano took his oath before the president in Malacañang Palace on Monday. Malacañang has yet to disclose what the newly created role actually entails.

The filmmaker’s appointment didn’t sit well with some Filipinos. For one thing, as a presidential adviser, Soriano would be entitled to salary grade 31, the same salary level as senators and representatives, who take home at least PHP273,278 (US$4,632) monthly.

For someone who is hired for others to look good in public, dapat may pakinabang ang Salary Grade 31 mo, Paul Soriano. Dapat may monthly accomplishment report yan. At ang attendance, kumpleto ang time in and out.

— Rhia del Rosario (@rhiadelrosario) October 17, 2022

However, in the official press release announcing the appointment, Marcos said the filmmaker has agreed to the role with an annual salary of PHP1.

“One of the greatest assets of the Filipino is our creativity, and we must find many ways to highlight that to the rest of the world. And that is what Paul Soriano has already been doing in his career as a filmmaker. And now we have asked him to help us at one peso per year,” the president said in a statement.

Others balked at the vagueness of his role and wondered if it was a veiled term for propaganda.

We are going to pay our taxes so that Paul Soriano can produce propaganda against us.

— Konrad De Leon (@konrad55) October 17, 2022

Director Paul Soriano appointed as Presidential Adviser for Creative Communications.

"Creative Communications"?
As in tsismis? Fake news?

— Allan (@_Allan_Bernabe_) October 17, 2022

so paul soriano is basically the troll master now hahahahaha ok understandable since his career being a movie director is a flop naman. let the man earn, just like wifey. got no dignity left, might as well get paid for it

— tine (@tinbudiongan) October 17, 2022

Many questioned how the Palace had time to create a new role for Soriano while Marcos has yet to appoint a Department of Health secretary over 100 days into his presidency.

It's obvious the appointment of Paul Soriano's as Creative Communication head – while there's still no DOH secretary running the agency – signifies just one thing: there's not any important thing for Marcos Jr. but himself.

— Juan Diego (@iamjuandiego225) October 17, 2022

Paul Soriano is now appointed as creative communications adviser pero wala pa rin tayong DOH secretary. #Priorities

— Mark Rossimo (@markrossimo) October 17, 2022

Walang DOH Secretary pero my Adviser for Creative Communications? Paul Soriano

— Rechelle (@reecheelle) October 17, 2022

To those asking why Blengblong appointed Creative Communications Secretary first before DOH, simple lang. Priorities. His priority is to make him and his family look good hence "creative communications". DOH Secretary will be appointed by 2025. Charis na Paul Soriano pa ang nais.

— @TheShepherd (@AngManunupa) October 17, 2022

Marcos and the newly minted presidential adviser have ties going way back: Soriano is the nephew of Marcos’ wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The president also served as godfather at Soriano and Gonzaga’s wedding in 2015. Soriano also directed ads for Marcos Jr’s campaign in the run-up to May’s elections.