New chiefs, new staff, new changes. Malacañang Palace has ordered all incumbent appointees under the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to hand in their “unqualified courtesy resignations” to allow Secretary Jay Ruiz to have a free hand in undertaking a reorganization.

According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Palace directive was meant to enable Ruiz to bring in people who would help him discharge his duties and execute his ideas.

“In the exigency of service, to give the new PCO Secretary a free hand in performing his duties and functions, all incumbent Presidential appointees in agencies, offices and bureaus under the PCO are hereby directed to tender their unqualified courtesy resignations subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,” a memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin dated 25 February said.

All appointees in agencies, offices, and bureaus including government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) under the PCO were told to submit their courtesy resignations not later than last Friday.

The memo added that the directive applies to all presidential appointees in agencies, offices, and bureaus under the PCO whose appointments are not permanent, and all Presidential appointees in GOCCs attached to PCO whose appointments are in acting capacity, as well as those who are in holdover status.

“Until any action is taken by the President and/or the undersigned on such courtesy resignations, all covered incumbents shall continue to report for work and perform their usual duties and functions, subject to any further instructions that the President, the undersigned, and/or the new leadership of PCO may deem proper,” the document further stated.

Ruiz starts work tomorrow

Ruiz will officially start in his new role on Monday, 3 March, after a week-long transition period in the PCO.

On 20 February, former chief Cesar Chavez disclosed that he had resigned from the PCO for reasons that he did not meet the expectations set to him.

Chavez was replaced by fellow veteran broadcast journalist Ruiz, who hails from Ilocos, the home province of the Chief Executive.

Ruiz took the oath of office before Marcos on 24 February. He was introduced on the same day to members of Palace media where he vowed that PCO would fight against fake news.

He also noted that personnel changes will be made under his leadership. However, during that time, the PCO was in a transition period.

Lawyer, broadcaster, and vlogger Claire Castro joined Ruiz in the PCO with the rank of Undersecretary.

She holds the position of Palace Press Officer, tasked with clarifying statements made by the President and the Palace, as well as policies, legislation, and other matters coming from Malacañang.