Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez confirmed on Thursday that he has resigned from his post and will officially step down on February 28, or sooner if his replacement is appointed.
Chavez revealed that he submitted his “irrevocable” resignation on February 5 and has already spoken with his successor, former journalist Jay Ruiz, to ensure a smooth transition.
In a statement, Chavez expressed his unwavering support for the administration despite his departure. “I will not be signing out as a believer in this administration, whose vision I will continue to support as I pursue endeavors outside of government but still within the realm of public service,” he said.
Appointed as acting PCO chief on September 5, 2024, Chavez thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the opportunity to serve, calling it “an honor of a lifetime.” However, he admitted to leaving with “one regret,” acknowledging that he had “fallen short of what was expected of [him].”
Chavez, a former broadcast journalist, emphasized his commitment to transparency and truth throughout his tenure. “It is to this fidelity to the truth—the bedrock belief to which I have anchored myself as a former broadcast journalist—that I must tell the unvarnished truth about my resignation. Since my first day working in this administration and up to almost two years and seven months, I have always served each day as if it were my last, and thus I strive to give my best,” he said.
He also shared a message for his colleagues at the PCO, underscoring his philosophy of service: “As I always remind those who work with me at PCO, I am only as good as my last performance. And when the last day comes, I will leave with the same enthusiasm, gratitude, and hope for a better future for the country we love.”
Meanwhile, Chavez announced that he will introduce Ruiz to the PCO Management Committee on February 24 to facilitate a week-long transition period.
“By March 1, it’s already a plug-and-play for him as the new PCO Sec. I am also hoping that this kind of transition can be institutionalized in all other agencies,” he said.
Ruiz will become the fourth PCO head under the Marcos administration. The office was previously led by Trixie Cruz-Angeles, who served as press secretary, followed by Cheloy Garafil, who now heads the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, until September 2024.