Palace: No new PCO chief yet

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jaybee C. Ruiz is still its ad interim chief, debunking reports that another veteran journalist has been appointed.

“As far as I know, there is no (new secretary) yet,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said in Filipino during a news briefing. “Jay Ruiz remains the acting secretary.”

This comes after reports saying that former Philippine Star journalist Dave Gomez will replace Mr. Ruiz.

Ms. Castro said she cannot deny those reports, as she has not received any update on the change of leadership.

Last May, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., ordered all cabinet members to tender their courtesy resignations as part of a “bold reset” of his government. This included Mr. Ruiz, but he was later reappointed as acting communications chief.

The Commission on Appointments earlier deferred deliberations on Mr. Ruiz’s appointment as PCO chief.

He was named chief in February this year. A former broadcast journalist, Mr. Ruiz is the Marcos administration’s fourth PCO chief. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana