Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez has designated Senior Undersecretary Emerald Ridao as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) from 17-21 February 2025.

Chavez will be on leave during that period and has tasked Ridao to oversee the agency’s operations in his absence.

"Senior Undersecretary Ridao shall take care of the day-to-day operations of the PCO, and if necessary, act for and on behalf of the Acting Secretary," stated the Special Order released to PCO employees.

Chavez said he will try to “work at full capacity” while on leave. However, he did not disclose the reason for his leave.

The PCO is the government’s lead communication arm, responsible for communicating and disseminating the administration’s policies, priority programs, and projects.

It is also tasked with developing and managing the strategic communications of the President and the administration, ensuring a whole-of-government approach through the implementation of unified messaging.