PCO orders unqual. resigs. for new appts.

Jay Ruiz, the Ad Interim Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), stated that it is standard procedure for presidential appointees to submit their resignations.

Ruiz defended the order during an interview on Monday, saying it allows him and other new appointees a free hand in choosing their teams without personal biases.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a memorandum directing all PCO presidential appointees to submit unqualified courtesy resignations by February 28, 2025.

Ruiz took his oath of office last week administered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., replacing Cesar Chavez who resigned due to failing expectations.

The directive covers presidential appointees in PCO agencies and government-owned corporations whose appointments are not permanent or in acting capacity.

Ruiz assured that the process is purely professional, aimed at assessing performance before final decisions are made.

He alluded to past lapses, saying there was too much intrigue, smearing, and 'leakages' of confidential documents without providing specifics.