PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed former journalist and corporate communications official Dave Gomez as secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Malacañang announced yesterday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a briefing in Malacanang, said Gomez replaced Acting Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz, who was named a member of the board of directors of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).
“Secretary Gomez brings decades of experience in journalism, government and corporate communications, having served as a senior reporter, director general of the Philippine Information Agency, and communications director at PMFTC Inc. Secretary Dave will ensure clear and truthful government messaging for every Filipino,” Castro said.
Ruiz, in a statement, congratulated Gomez on his appointment, adding that he is confident that under his leadership, the PCO will continue to grow and thrive in fulfilling its vital mission.
He thanked the President for his “continued trust and confidence in appointing me to a new role in his administration,” adding that it has been an honor for him to lead the PCO in close to five months and work with the rank and file in the agency to advance “transparency, timely information, and responsible public communication.
“My almost five months as PCO Secretary have been a profound learning experience. I witnessed firsthand the nobility of public service, where every day presents an opportunity to serve the Filipino people and contribute directly to nation-building,” he said.
“I will continue to wholeheartedly support President Marcos Jr. and his administration in realizing the aspirations of Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
Gomez will be the fifth official to head the PCO under the Marcos administration, after Trixie Angeles, Cheloy Garafil, Cesar Chavez, and Ruiz.
Ruiz, who was first appointed in February this year as PCO secretary, was bypassed after the Commission on Appointments deferred the deliberation on his appointment. He was reappointed as acting secretary last month.
Castro said the President also appointed Department of Energy officer-in-charge Sharon Garin as Energy Secretary, vice Raphael Lotilla, who was named as Environment Secretary.
“Secretary Garin is a lawyer and CPA with extensive public service experience, having served as a multi-term Iloilo representative and DOE undersecretary with a strong background in energy policy and legislation to advance accessible, reliable and sustainable energy for our people,” she said.
Castro said Malacanang looks forward to the leadership of Gomez and Garin as the administration strengthens its government communications and secures the country’s energy needs under Bagong Pilipinas.
