Ruiz ‘grateful’ for opportunity

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz was unfazed by reports that he is on the way out, saying he would continue to carry out his duties as long as President Marcos wants him to do so.

News website Politiko reported over the weekend that Ruiz would be named head of the Presidential Action Center, the Office of the President’s liaison unit with different agencies on complaints and requests for assistance from the public.

The report surfaced days after Malacañang announced Ruiz’s reappointment as secretary of the PCO, the government’s lead communication arm.

Ruiz had to be reappointed because he was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments.

Asked by reporters yesterday to react to talks that he is about to step down as PCO chief, Ruiz said: “I always serve at the pleasure of the President.”

“Whatever happens, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity,” he added.

A former ABS-CBN reporter, Ruiz was appointed PCO secretary last February.

He is the fourth appointee to the post, which was handled previously by lawyer and vlogger Trixie Angeles, former journalist and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chief Cheloy Garafil and radio broadcaster and former transportation undersecretary for railways Cesar Chavez.

Upon his assumption as PCO chief, Ruiz vowed to strengthen the campaign against disinformation and to ensure that ordinary people are aware of the government’s programs and services.

After retiring from ABS-CBN, Ruiz worked for former Senate president Aquilino Pimentel III and co-hosted a radio program for dzMM Teleradyo.