Palace retains Ruiz at PCO as Usec quits
Ruiz and Puod had worked closely together before joining the government — Puod as general manager of state-run PTV 4.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz was appointed last February, but bypassed by the Commission on Appointments. (Right) PCO Senior Undersecretary Ana Puod is said to have cited ‘untenable working conditions’ as reason for leaving.
Photo by YUMMIE DINGDING FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Senior Undersecretary Ana Puod has resigned from her post, a development that arose, according to sources, from the breakdown of her working relationship with a superior.
PCO Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed Puod’s resignation on Tuesday, saying it was “voluntary” and not among the courtesy resignations demanded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Puod’s immediate superior was PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz. It was yet to be ascertained, however, if he was the superior with whom she had a run-in.
“Whatever her reasons, they are considered personal,” Castro said in a press briefing.
A well-placed source told DAILY TRIBUNE that Puod’s misunderstanding with her superior resulted in “untenable working conditions” at the agency.
The Palace did not confirm on Tuesday if her resignation had been accepted or not by the President.
Ruiz and Puod had worked closely together before joining the government — Puod as general manager of state-run PTV 4. Ruiz has not publicly addressed the circumstances of Puod’s departure.
In a text message to a TV network, Puod reportedly said in a mix of English and Filipino, “to connect the dots, we’re good, my boss and I.” However, a TRIBUNE source raised an eyebrow when told of Puod’s text.
After his reappointment by the President on Tuesday, Ruiz found himself managing an office that has seen at least 17 officials’ courtesy resignations accepted and 27 more whose terms have expired.
Castro said those positions will “most probably” be filled soon. “If they are a loss to the position, and there is a need for a good person in their place, then they should be filled,” she added.
Ruiz, a former broadcast journalist, was first tapped to lead the PCO in February following the resignation of fellow veteran broadcaster Cesar Chavez.
His initial appointment was held in abeyance by the Commission on Appointments due to a lack of time for deliberation, but he has since been reappointed by President Marcos.
In a statement, Ruiz thanked the President for his trust, pledging to lead the PCO “with professionalism, integrity, and purpose.”
He also cited the support of major media groups, including the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PAPI), the Justice Reporters Organization (JUROR), and the Soccsksargen Press Club.
“This fresh mandate is both an honor and a responsibility that strengthens my resolve to serve with greater dedication, especially at a time when effective communication is central to the success of the administration’s programs,” Ruiz said.