Ruiz divests from company, political firm as new PCO chief

Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro confirmed on Monday that Jay Ruiz, newly appointed as Ad Interim Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), is divesting his interests from a company he co-founded.

Ruiz also mentioned at a press briefing on Tuesday that he would divest himself of shares in a political management firm due to potential conflicts of interest, while clarifying that other businesses do not pose such issues.

Undersecretary Castro noted earlier that Ruiz has 60 days under Republic Act 6713 to comply with legal requirements for divestiture and assured adherence to the law.

Ruiz took his oath as PCO chief last week in a ceremony presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., replacing Cesar Chavez who resigned due to personal shortcomings.

Castro stated that there was nothing wrong with Ruiz's business dealings involving government agencies prior to his appointment, provided he resolves any conflicts of interest now.

She added that the law allows appointees to divest their shares or interests in private companies within 60 days after assuming a government position and stressed that Ruiz is already in the process of complying with this requirement.