Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has accepted the courtesy resignations of 17 officials from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), as announced by Malaca±ang. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed these significant changes in the PCO, highlighting the "voluntary" resignation of Senior Undersecretary Ana Puod, who stepped down for "personal" reasons.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro informed reporters that the resignations were part of an ongoing evaluation of government undersecretaries, as the Marcos administration seeks to recalibrate its efforts. Castro clarified there has been no directive from President Marcos requiring undersecretaries to submit their courtesy resignations, despite their probationary status.
Castro explained that while there is no mandate for undersecretaries to resign, it is within the President's discretion to dismiss undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and other directors if they fail to comply with his directives. She also mentioned that the terms of approximately 27 government officials have expired, although she did not provide further details about these positions.
When asked about the potential release of a list of vacant positions in the PCO, Castro said she would consult Jay Ruiz, the agency's reappointed acting secretary. In addition to Ruiz, Castro confirmed that President Marcos has reappointed Henry Aguda as secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Both Ruiz's and Aguda's appointments were bypassed by the Commission on Appointments when Congress adjourned sine die on June 13.
Castro reiterated President Marcos' warning to government officials who are not performing adequately. She noted that the President has expressed concerns about agencies submitting incorrect reports, cautioning that officials responsible for such inaccuracies could face consequences. Castro emphasized that while specific departments or agencies were not named, officials whose reports do not align with the truth may be asked to leave their positions.
