A high-ranking official from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) closely associated with the First Couple has resigned after allegedly being caught leaking confidential information, sources revealed on Monday, March 3.
This is after the official was reportedly caught video recording a closed-door meeting, prompting her immediate resignation and transfer to another department.
The resignation comes amid a broader shakeup within the PCO, where several officials have been asked to submit courtesy resignations. PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz addressed the move, emphasizing the need for trust and efficiency within the office.
“We’re all presidential appointees here. It’s about ensuring that we have a team we can trust. If you’re not aligned with the vision, it’s better to part ways,” Ruiz said in a chance interview with Malacañang reporters.
“May hindi dapat kasi, nangyayari kasi unang-una maraming leakages, maraming intrigue, maraming nagsisiraan. Ayaw natin yun. Dapat yung PCO, hindi ko sinasabing galing sa loob yan. Pwedeng manggaling din sa loob. Pwedeng manggaling din sa labas,” Ruiz added.
He clarified that the resignations were not personal but part of a proper evaluation process to assess each official’s performance.
When asked about the number of officials who have complied with the resignation request, Ruiz deferred to the Executive Secretary, who issued the order.
“There were orders that needed to be followed because change is necessary. We’ve seen too many leakages, intrigues, and infighting. We don’t want that,” he added.
Ruiz stressed the importance of confidentiality in the PCO’s operations, noting that leaks could originate from within or outside the office.
“All orders and documents must remain confidential. That’s non-negotiable,” he said.
Over the weekend, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a memorandum stating that the move aims to give the newly appointed PCO Secretary, Jay Ruiz, a “free hand” in executing his responsibilities and implementing his policies.
The memorandum requires all affected appointees to submit their resignations to the PCO Secretary by February 28, 2025.
Ruiz, who was sworn in as the new PCO chief last week, took his oath of office administered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. He succeeds Cesar Chavez, who stepped down after admitting he had “fallen short of what was expected of him.” (TCSP)
