MALACANANG on Friday quashed rumors of an imminent change in leadership at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), affirming that Jay Ruiz continues to serve as acting secretary.
The statement from Palace Press Officer Claire Castro comes in response to reports suggesting that Dave Gomez, the communications director of Philip Morris International’s Philippine affiliate, is being considered as a replacement.
Castro, in a press conference, explicitly denied receiving any information regarding a PCO reorganization. “Secretary Jay remains to be the acting secretary of PCO. So, if there are any rumors, nothing has reached us,” she clarified to reporters.
Ruiz’s current position stems from his reappointment as acting secretary on June 16th by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
This followed the Commission on Appointments (CA)’s decision to defer deliberation on his confirmation due to time constraints on June 3rd.
Ruiz, a former broadcast journalist, is the fourth individual to hold the PCO’s top position under the Marcos administration, following Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Cheloy Garafil (now head of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office), and Cesar Chavez, who also served in an acting capacity.
The denial effectively dismisses speculation surrounding a potential leadership change at the PCO, at least for the time being. The focus now remains on Ruiz’s continued performance in the role and the eventual resolution of his confirmation process by the CA.
