Palace orders Jay Ruiz to stay as PCO head despite CA deferral

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro announced on Tuesday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered Secretary Jay Ruiz to continue his work as head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), despite the Commission on Appointments deferring the deliberation on his appointment.

Castro stated during a press briefing that both President Marcos and Secretary Ruiz agreed with this decision, emphasizing that it will not impact the PCO's ongoing efforts to combat fake news.

The CA was scheduled to deliberate on Ruiz's appointment on June 3 but deferred it due to a lack of material time.

Earlier, three media groups expressed support for Ruiz, citing his professionalism and capacity to lead government messaging in a time of high public demand for truth and accountability.

Castro clarified that the President's directive remains clear: whoever heads the PCO must continue the fight against fake news as much as possible.