PCO chief furious over ‘fake news’ allegations

A visibly irate and emotional Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz lashed out at what he called a “demolition job” against him, slamming reports that accused him of a conflict of interest tied to a media firm that won multimillion-peso government contracts.

In an interview with the press, Ruiz dismissed the allegations as “fake news” designed to undermine his leadership just days after assuming office.

‘I am not the owner of DG8!’

Ruiz categorically denied any financial ties to Digital 8 Inc. (DG8), the company at the center of the controversy.

“First of all, the DG8 contract is not mine. I am not a stockholder. I am not a shareholder,” he said with frustration. “I was invited there to represent the company. I was made the authorized representative. I was not in the government yet. I was just simply working.”

He revealed that he had already resigned from DG8 in January, long before his appointment as PCO Secretary. “There’s no more there,” he added, emphasizing that he had severed any professional ties with the company.

Ruiz also took aim at those who published the allegations without seeking his side.

“They released the news without even trying to get my side. They did not ask any questions,” he fumed. “The bigger the accusation, the bigger the fact-checking. That is your responsibility.”

‘You want my position? You want something from me?’

Ruiz did not hold back in questioning the motives behind the reports, hinting at political maneuvering within the PCO.

“They are using the media to destroy me. Why? You want my position? You want something from me?” he challenged. “I am trying to reform the office. I am the fourth PCO Secretary of this administration. It is just my eighth day and I am already being stabbed.”

He pointed to inefficiencies within the PCO, highlighting redundancy in positions and responsibilities. “You don’t know who is accountable at work now. Twelve assistant secretaries, eight undersecretaries, 15 to 18 directors — there is duplication of work. And the attached agencies, who appointed them?” he asked. “You want to put into position someone you don’t know?”

‘This is a demolition job!’

Ruiz firmly stood his ground, making it clear that he had no intention of stepping down.

“I will not resign. I will fight fake news,” he declared. “I went into this office transparent and open, and I want to help!”

He vowed to push back against misinformation, saying that the PCO should be the “vanguard of truth.” He warned that unchecked lies could drown out reality, referencing a well-known propaganda tactic, “A lie told a thousand times drowns out the truth.”

While he expressed his anger over the allegations, Ruiz said he would not pursue legal action — at least for now.

Despite the controversy, Ruiz remained defiant, insisting that he is focused on reforming the PCO and ensuring the office functions efficiently. “The best traits in Filipinos — that is what we want in this office,” he said.

Reiterating his innocence, he stated, “I AM NOT THE OWNER OF DG8. I DID NOT EARN 200 MILLION. It’s basic in journalism to get both sides! Where is the fairness?”