MANILA -- Malacanang on Tuesday assured that the process of creating President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s communications groups was based on thorough study and consultations.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the formation of new agency under the Aquino regime is allowed under the revised administrative code.

Lacierda declined to confirm that they have abolished the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).

He stressed that they have only abolished the office, which they preferred to call as communications group.

He said they have sought the help of experts on how to restructure the OPS.

Under the new setup, the department will be divided into two groups: messaging and dissemination.

Apart from the function of the current OPS, Lacierda said the new communications group is tasked to deliver news 24/7.

“Ngayon po 24/7 na kahit na gabi may balita pa rin tuloy tuloy po,” the Palace official said. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)