Ex-journalist Dave Gomez named PCO chief

MANILA, Philippines — A veteran public relations practitioner and former journalist has been named secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the fifth to be appointed to the post since President Marcos assumed office three years ago.

Corporate communications executive Dave Gomez will replace Jay Ruiz, who will step down as chief of the government’s lead communication arm more than four months after joining the Marcos administration.
“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.,”  Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing yesterday.
“Secretary Dave will ensure clear and truthful government messaging for every Filipino,” she added.

Gomez worked as a reporter for The STAR for 11 years before moving to advertising firm Leo Burnett Manila. He is also a former director general of the Philippine Information Agency, the government’s grassroots communications arm.

His appointment was the second change in PCO leadership this year. Former presidential communications secretary and veteran broadcaster Cesar Chavez resigned in February and was replaced by Ruiz, who is reportedly leaving the agency after a one-week transition.

The Marcos PCO was first led by lawyer and vlogger Trixie Angeles, who was then replaced by former journalist and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chief Cheloy Garafil, now chief of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

While he is about to exit the Cabinet, Ruiz will remain in the administration as a member of the board of directors of MECO, the Philippines’ de facto embassy in Taiwan.

Ruiz, a former ABS-CBN reporter, thanked Marcos for his continued trust, describing his stint in the PCO as an honor and a privilege.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the PCO, our media partners, and the public for their unwavering support... I will continue to wholeheartedly support President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his administration in realizing the aspirations of Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.

Ruiz congratulated Gomez on his appointment and expressed confidence that the PCO would grow and thrive under his leadership.

Garin named DOE chief; NSC has new spokesman

Castro also announced the appointment of energy department officer-in-charge Sharon Garin as secretary of the agency. Garin, a former lawmaker, was named OIC of the department in May after Raphael Lotilla was appointed environment secretary.
“Secretary Garin is a lawyer and CPA (certified public accountant) 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,” Castro said.
“We look forward to their (Gomez and Garin) leadership as we strengthen government communications and secure our country’s energy needs under Bagong Pilipinas,” she added.

The decorated military officer who is now the permanent spokesperson of the National Security Council (NSC) has vowed to address national security matters amid geopolitical tensions, focusing not only on defense but also on energy and food security.

Cornelio Valencia Jr. has replaced NSC assistant director-general Jonathan Malaya from his post on June 25 after the latter took a leave of absence due to “family matters.”

Valencia announced on Thursday’s “Storycon” on One News that Malaya has permanently left the council and that he received his official papers on Wednesday. – EJ Macababbad