Malacañang officially confirmed on Thursday earlier reports that former journalist and veteran corporate communications executive Dave Gomez is taking the helm of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Gomez replaces fellow ex-journalist Jay Ruiz, who will now serve as one of the Board of Directors of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). He becomes the fifth head of the PCO in four years under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
Ruiz’s appointment was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments even as he was re-appointed by President Marcos in June.
Talks of Gomez replacing him had been circulating this July, but PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro would not confirm it on Wednesday.
In a related development, Castro also announced the official appointment of Sharon Garin as Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE).
Garin was previously designated as officer-in-charge of the DOE after the departure of Raphael Lotilla, who was transferred to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The new appointments come as President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. continues his evaluation of Cabinet members and government officials in the executive branch.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with additional information on the designation of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
