Malacañang affirmed Wednesday that there have been no changes in the leadership of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), with former broadcast journalist Jay Ruiz continuing to serve as the agency’s acting chief.

“In my understanding, no changes have been made. Jay Ruiz is still the acting secretary,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said when asked about the appointment of a new PCO chief.

“If ever there is someone new — if there really is, because that seems to be what’s going around in rumors. I still can’t confirm anything because I haven’t received any update,” she added.

When pressed about rumors that corporate communications executive Dave Gomez would replace Ruiz, Castro disclosed that she had not received any official information.

“I can’t confirm nor deny it because I haven’t been given any update,” Castro said.

To recall, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reappointed Ruiz to the PCO after his previous ad interim appointment was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) following Congress’ sine die adjournment on 13 June.

The CA was unable to deliberate on Ruiz’s appointment due to time constraints.

Ruiz earlier thanked the President for his continued trust and reaffirmed his commitment to serve “with professionalism, integrity and purpose.”