Chavez resigns as PCO acting chief; veteran journo Jay Ruiz to succed him

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez will resign on 28 February 2025, or "anytime earlier" if his replacement is appointed.

Chavez disclosed to Palace reporters that he filed his resignation earlier this month.

"To use a broadcast parlance, I will be signing off as Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office on February 28, 2025, or anytime earlier when my replacement is appointed," he said.

"I submitted my irrevocable resignation on February 5, 2025," he added.

Chavez expressed regret, saying he may "have fallen short of what was expected of me." He assured he always gave his best during his nearly two years and seven months in office, noting, "I am only as good as my last performance."

He also thanked President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for his trust, pledging continued support for the administration. "I will not be signing out as a believer in this administration, whose vision I will continue to support as I pursue endeavors outside of government but still within the realm of public service," Chavez said.

Chavez, a former broadcast journalist, was the third PCO chief under the Marcos administration. Prior to his current role, he served as presidential assistant for strategic communication and as Transportation undersecretary for railways.

Chavez confirmed he had spoken to Jay Ruiz, a former broadcast journalist, who is expected to be named his successor. "I spoke to Jay Ruiz already. I informed him that I will introduce him to the PCO Mancom on Monday, Feb 24, so he can begin a week-long transition," he said.

Malacañang has yet to formally announce Chavez's replacement.