Manila: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz on Tuesday declared his commitment to intensifying efforts against fake news, expressing no regrets over his decision to lead the government's primary communications arm.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ruiz made these remarks during a Palace press briefing where he addressed the rapid spread of misinformation, which he himself fell victim to shortly after assuming office. Ruiz, who was sworn in as PCO Secretary on February 24, emphasized his resolve to dismiss the false claims linking him to private media firms like Digital8, which allegedly secured over PHP200 million in government contracts. Despite the baseless allegations, Ruiz affirmed his focus on serving the Filipino people, stating, "There's no regret. I am here to serve."
Ruiz clarified that he has no plans to pursue legal action against those spreading fake news, as he aims to remain focused on his mission to communicate government policies and programs effectively to the public. He stressed the importance of informing citizens about the Marcos administration's initiatives that could benefit them. Moreover, he urged media outlets to collaborate with the PCO in battling misinformation and disinformation.
Ruiz expressed his willingness to make challenging decisions to uphold the integrity of the PCO. He acknowledged the personal risk involved, noting, "It's me on the line. It's becoming a very toxic environment where there are no rules." He called for collective efforts from traditional media to counter fake news, urging everyone to become "guardians of truth" and ensure that truth prevails over lies.
In addition to addressing fake news, Ruiz outlined his plans to implement reforms within the PCO, including streamlining its organizational structure. He expressed his dedication to fostering constant feedback and dialogue as part of his leadership approach. "I was called. I answered the call to help the government," he stated, reaffirming his commitment to his role as PCO Secretary.
