The revolving door at the Presidential Communications Office is a critical vulnerability that is undermining President Marcos’s public trust and legacy.
Three years into his presidency, President Marcos has yet to come to terms with his communication team at the PCO, having already sent home three secretaries and placing the fate of the fourth press chief—who is barely four months into his term—in doubt. While President Marcos is trying his best to win back public trust, he is also, in a way, sending mixed signals with his constant replacement of press secretaries over their perceived inability to bolster his image.
That method only exposes the President’s ill-timed decisions and the perceived difficulty in “hard selling” the Marcoses since they parted ways with their once formidable ally, the Dutertes. Instead of shooting down the proverbial messenger, the President should train his eyes on those who are trying to malign the administration through fake news.
| SUPPORT INDEPENDENT SOCIAL COMMENTARY! Subscribe to our Substack community GRP Insider to receive by email our in-depth free weekly newsletter. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter, GRP Insider! Learn more |
A prime example of this detrimental cycle is Jay Ruiz, the latest appointed press secretary, who has been subjected to vilification since his assumption as Marcos’s top PR man in late February. Despite bringing in a formidable team to bring order to the PCO, Ruiz was instead rumored to be on his way out for no clear reason at all. All thanks to fake news being peddled by a group of shady reporters determined to malign the name of the former veteran broadcast journalist.
Ruiz has been a constant target of this unscrupulous group that is eager to put one of their own at the PCO helm. In this way, they could easily secure some lucrative contracts when the country hosts an international event next year. But with Ruiz at the helm, it will probably be difficult for them to even land a single contract.
The fake news dealt with Ruiz’s alleged anomalous ties with a digital firm that secured a multi-million contract to produce a government show. The beleaguered PCO chief had already denied the malicious claim, which came out exactly a day after his appointment. Despite the denial, Ruiz’s fate hangs in the balance.
The recent revamp of the Marcos cabinet saw several officials being eased out over subpar performances. While the majority of the officials were eventually retained, the press secretary’s courtesy resignation remains unacted upon. The supposed reset, according to the President, was intended to avoid the political issues hounding the administration by focusing instead on how to address the problems facing the country. The President gave marching orders to the PCO to amplify this paradigm shift.
In reaction to the ennui being felt by Ruiz and his team, who have brought significant positive change to the PCO by putting into order the mess left behind by his predecessors, they may look for a more challenging job outside this “snake pit.” Firing the PCO chief at this time will result in disarray in the handling of government messaging. Positive results will not materialize in such a short time.
Therefore, what’s best for the President is to give ample time to those at the helm of the PCO to finish their job. For what it’s worth, dismissing those who are sincerely trying to help attain the legacy the President is envisioning will not work. After all, effective, transparent, and unifying communication is fundamental to good governance, building trust, and achieving national goals.
Time is running out, Mr. President. Keep your PCO intact and let them prove their worth. Words without action are empty. Communication is important, yes, but without alignment, it is meaningles
Hello everyone, my name is Oman and I am a Middle Eastern man who has been fortunate enough to receive my education in the United Kingdom.
I am excited to share my political insights on the Philippines, a country that has been my home for the past thirty years.
Having grown up in the Middle East, I was initially drawn to the Philippines for its vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for this beautiful nation and its people, which has fueled my desire to understand and contribute to its political landscape.
Living here for three decades has allowed me to witness firsthand the country's political evolution, from the turbulent times to the remarkable progress it has achieved. I have closely observed the challenges, triumphs, and the resilience of the Filipino people, which have shaped my unique perspective on its political affairs.
Through this blog, I hope to provide a fresh perspective on Philippine politics, drawing upon my Middle Eastern background and British education. I believe that my experiences and insights can contribute to meaningful discussions and shed light on the intricacies of the country's political landscape.
- Marcos’s Communication Crisis: The Price of Instability - June 6, 2025
- PBBM Should Accept Defense Sec. Gibo Teodoro’s Resignation - May 27, 2025
- China Struggles Against Stronger PH WPS Posture, Backed By US and Other Countries - September 2, 2024