In a bold endorsement, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial hopeful Erwin Tulfo has thrown his support behind Jay Ruiz, the incoming head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). Speaking in Dumaguete City, Tulfo expressed his firm belief in Ruiz’s ability to steer the PCO through the Marcos administration’s aggressive battle against misinformation and disinformation, while also pushing forward the government’s agenda.
Tulfo’s confidence stems from his past collaboration with Ruiz at ABS-CBN, where Ruiz served as a reporter for over 20 years before retiring in 2016 to join the Office of the Senate President during the Duterte era. “I have confidence because I worked with Jay Ruiz before at ABS-CBN. And I respect the guy. I believe he can do something for the administration,” Tulfo, a former broadcaster, stated.
The transition comes as Cesar Chavez steps down from his role as acting PCO head, a position he resigned from on February 5, with his departure set for no later than February 28. Chavez has confirmed that Ruiz will take over by March 1.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III also voiced his support for Ruiz, acknowledging the challenges ahead given the turnover of three secretaries under the current administration. “Yes, of course. You know Jay, right? You know him and he worked with the giant media company. And he’s also an Ilocano,” Pimentel remarked during the Kapihan sa Senado forum.
Pimentel expressed hope that Ruiz’s amicable nature and PR skills would serve him well in his new role. “I hope Jay can do it with his pleasing personality. He’ll just use PR, work hard for all those. Let’s just wait. We wish him all the best,” he added, signaling a hopeful outlook for Ruiz’s tenure at the PCO.