Ruiz appointed PCO chief, Castro named Palace press officer

Outgoing Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez introduced newly appointed PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz to members of the Malacañang Press Corps after Ruiz took his oath before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In a brief interview, Ruiz pledged to support the Marcos administration in effectively disseminating information and combating fake news. He emphasized the importance of informing the public about key government programs, including initiatives in education and free housing. Ruiz succeeds Chavez, who resigned effective 28 February, and becomes the fourth PCO chief under the Marcos administration. He is the son of former Sarrat, Ilocos Norte Mayor Alfonso J. Ruiz. Meanwhile, lawyer Claire Castro has been appointed PCO Undersecretary and designated as the new "Palace press officer." In her first media interview, Castro criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte for making baseless accusations against Marcos, dismissing them as political intrigue.