Outgoing PCO Chief Cesar Chavez and incoming PCO Chief Jay Ruiz

MANILA, Philippines – Cesar Chavez announced his “irrevocable resignation” as acting chief of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Thursday, February 20. 

”To use a broadcast parlance, I will be signing off as Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office on February 28, 2025, or anytime earlier when my replacement is appointed,” Chavez said in a statement.  

Chavez said he submitted his resignation to President Marcos Jr. last February 5. 

Despite his resignation from the government, Chavez said “I will not be signing off as a believer in this administration whose vision I will continue to support as I pursue endeavors outside of the government but still within the realm of public service.” 

While having many lessons to be grateful for and people to thank, he admits having one regret, “I have fallen short of what was expected of me.” 

Chaves no longer detailed where he admitted to have failed but assured that  “will leave with the same enthusiasm, gratitude, and hope for a better future for the country we love.”

He even said that since his first day of working for the administration which lasted up to two years and seven months, “I have always served each day as if it were my last.” 

He thanked the President for the trust he gave him. 

“I would like to thank the President for the opportunity to serve, which has been an honor of a lifetime made possible only by his trust and confidence in me,” he said. 

Former ABS-CBN reporter to replace Chavez

Set to replace Chavez is seasoned broadcast journalist and former ABS-CBN reporter Jay Ruiz.

Chavez made the pronouncement after he announced his resignation.  

“I spoke to Jay Ruiz already. I informed him that I will introduce him to the PCO Mancom on Monday, Feb 24, so he can begin a week-long transition, so that by March 1, it’s already a plug-and-play for him as the new PCO Sec.,” said Chavez in a message to reporters.

Ruiz will be the fourth press secretary of the Marcos administration succeeding Chavez, Cheloy Garafil and Trixie Cruz-Angeles.