PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. administered yesterday the oaths of office of former broadcast journalist Jaybee “Jay” Ruiz as secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), and lawyer Clarissa Castro as undersecretary.
Ruiz said among the instructions of the President was to ensure that accurate information about the government’s programs and services are conveyed directly to the people, and for information on government programs and services to be made more accessible to the people.
He said his priorities also include combating fake news and disinformation.
Castro, who was also named as Palace Press Officer, has been tasked to answer Palace-related issues.
She said, though, that the President will still be his own spokesman.
Ruiz replaced PCO chief Cesar Chavez, who resigned from his post. Chavez turned over the PCO leadership to Ruiz yesterday.
Prior to his PCO appointment, Ruiz served as the senior vice president for Business Development at Istratehiya Inc., a company specializing in political management, surveys, and campaign strategies at both local and national levels.
He also worked as a political and media consultant at the Office of the Senate President from 2016 to 2018.
He was also a former senior reporter of ABS-CBN, an alternate anchor for the network’s TV Patrol Weekend, and contributor to the network’s news programs such as Bandila, The World Tonight, ANC, and radio DZMM.
Castro is a trial lawyer and had formed the Law Office of Clarissa Castro.
She is also a radio commentator at DZXL News “Usapang Batas” (2022-present); Abante Teletabloid “Asintado” (2021-2022); DZMM “Usapang de Campanilla” (2007-2020); and DZMM “Relos Reports with Atty. Kiko” (2000-2001).
