HARDLY had former broadcast personality Jay Ruiz warmed his seat as Presidential Communications Office (PCO) secretary that the latest buzz from the Palace rings two new names for his replacement this early.
That Ruiz, a veteran broadcast journalist before he joined government service, would be told to leave surprised pundits tracking recent movements in Malacanang.
Ruiz has only spent three months at the PCO after his appointment on February 24.
President Bongbong Marcos, Palace sources said, is expected to name his fifth PCO secretary just days after his Alyansa bets’ poor showing in the May 12 senatorial elections.
Only five candidates from the Alyansa secured seats in the recent elections. These include incumbent Senators Lito Lapid and Pia Cayetano, along with TV personality Erwin Tulfo and former Senators Tito Sotto and Ping Lacson.
Two other initial Alyansa candidates—Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, and Camille Villar—switched their allegiance midway through the campaign season. They joined the pro-Duterte bloc that included Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, and Rodante Marcoleta.
Not even the victory of opposition candidates Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, pundits say, could assure the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte in the impeachment case brought by the House near the close of the 19th Congress.
They said the impeachment is in jeopardy even if the impeachment court – the Senate – proceeds.
The polls’ mixed results, sources said, had also caused the dismissal of Arnel Ignacio as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator.
Malacanang said he was removed for “losing the trust and confidence” of Malacanang trust and confidence” over a questionable P1.4 billion land acquisition deal that reportedly did not go through proper approval from the OWWA Board of Trustees.
He was followed by his deputy Emma Sinclair who was dismissed on Monday.
The Alyansa candidates rated poorly in OFW votes.
The “ghost hunt”, sources said, is continuing and it will be Ruiz expected to be given his marching paper any time soon.
Ruiz succeeded fellow broadcast person Cesar Chavez as PCO chief.
Lawyers Trixie Angeles and Cheloy Garafil also served as PCO secretaries.
President Marcos is said to be eyeing a veteran media personality to replace Ruiz.
If appointed, it would mean moving from another appointed seat that deals with the Filipino diaspora.
He is an expert in media, management, and public relations.
Another personality being considered is a lawyer and veteran communicator. He now represents various companies under a tycoon.
