Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reappointed veteran journalist Jay Ruiz as the acting secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed on Tuesday. Bersamin noted that Ruiz's appointment paper was released on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ruiz's ad interim appointment as PCO secretary was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) after it adjourned sine die on June 13. The CA had been scheduled to deliberate on Ruiz's appointment on June 3 but deferred it due to a lack of time. Despite this, Marcos instructed Ruiz to continue his work as head of the PCO.
In a statement, Ruiz expressed gratitude to Marcos for his continued trust and confidence. He described the reappointment as an honor and responsibility that strengthens his resolve to serve with greater dedication, particularly when effective communication is crucial to the administration's success. Ruiz praised the President's leadership and commitment to public service, stating that it inspires him to lead the PCO with professionalism, integrity, and purpose.
Ruiz also thanked media organizations for their support, emphasizing their shared commitment to responsible journalism and public discourse. He expressed a desire to work together to combat fake news and empower Filipinos through truthful and transparent communication.
Ruiz is the fourth PCO chief under the Marcos administration. Trixie Cruz-Angeles was the first to serve as press secretary, followed by Cheloy Garafil, who now leads the Manila Economic and Cultural Office until September 2024. Before Ruiz, Cesar Chavez also served as acting PCO secretary.
