Jay Ruiz Continues Leading Presidential Communications Office
Veteran journalist Jay Ruiz remains the acting secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) as of Wednesday, Malacañang confirmed. Despite rumors of a new appointment, no official change has been announced.
Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said in Filipino during a briefing, “To my knowledge, there is no new secretary yet. Jay Ruiz remains the acting secretary. And if ever there is someone new—if there really is, as some rumors suggest—I still have nothing to confirm.”
Castro neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of Ruiz’s replacement. She explained that her office has not received any appointment documents so far. “I cannot deny it, but I also cannot say yes or no, because no update has been given to me so far,” she added, mostly in Filipino.
Speculations Surround Jay Ruiz’s Replacement
Rumors about Jay Ruiz’s replacement surfaced just months after he took office in February. Reports suggest that journalist-turned-corporate communications executive Dave Gomez might succeed him. Sources close to Gomez said he has accepted the offer to become the next PCO secretary.
If appointed by the President, Gomez would become the fifth PCO secretary in just three years under the current administration. This frequent turnover has drawn attention from local leaders and observers.
History of PCO Leadership Changes
Before Ruiz, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, a lawyer turned vlogger, served as PCO secretary for less than three months. She stepped down in October 2022, citing health reasons. Cheloy Garafil then took over as officer-in-charge and officially became secretary in January 2023.
In September 2024, Garafil was replaced by former media executive Cesar Chavez after being recommended to lead the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan. Chavez resigned a year later, admitting he fell short of expectations.
Dave Gomez’s Background and Career
Dave Gomez brings over 23 years of experience in corporate communications, most recently with Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. Inc. (PMFTC), the local branch of Philip Morris International. Prior to his corporate career, Gomez spent 11 years as a reporter for a leading Philippine newspaper. He later worked in advertising at Leo Burnett Manila and served as director general of the Philippine Information Agency.
Should he be confirmed, Gomez’s appointment aims to bring stability to the PCO amid the recent leadership changes.
For more news and updates on Presidential Communications Office, visit Filipinokami.com.