Veteran journalist Jay Ruiz took his oath as Ad Interim Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Monday.
Outgoing PCO chief Cesar Chavez introduced Ruiz to members of the Malacañang Press Corps. In his first interview as PCO Secretary, Ruiz pledged to combat disinformation and effectively communicate the Marcos administration’s projects to the public.
“Ang gusto natin, malaman ng tao na ang gobyerno ay para sa tao (What we want is for the people to know that the government is for them),” Ruiz said.
A week-long transition began Monday, with Ruiz officially assuming office on March 1.
CASTRO APPOINTED PCO UNDERSECRETARY, CRITICIZES DUTERTE
Lawyer Claire Castro also took her oath as PCO Undersecretary and will serve as the Palace press officer, overseeing Malacañang press briefings.
In her first media interview, Castro dismissed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s claim that Marcos is “veering towards a dictatorship,” calling it baseless.
“Hindi tayo pwedeng maniwala sa mga pang-iintriga lamang na walang ebidensya (We cannot be swayed by baseless intrigues),” she said.
She also cited the imprisonment of former senator Leila de Lima on what she called trumped-up charges under Duterte’s administration, adding that the former president thrives on fabrications and intrigue.
