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Cesar Chavez Resigns As PCO Chief: 'Signing Off, But Not Signing Out'
Photo credit: PCO
Cesar Chavez, the Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), is stepping down from his post, officially signing off on February 28, 2025—or possibly sooner if his replacement takes over earlier.
In a heartfelt statement, Chavez announced his "irrevocable" resignation, which he submitted on February 5, making it clear that his departure is a personal decision rather than a forced exit. However, despite leaving his role, he assured the public that his support for the Marcos administration remains unwavering.
“I will not be signing out as a believer in this administration, whose vision I will continue to support as I pursue endeavors outside of government but still within the realm of public service,” Chavez said.
A Reflection on Service
Having served since September 2024, Chavez expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to him by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling it “an honor of a lifetime.” However, he candidly admitted to feeling that he had fallen short of expectations.
“There is much for which I am grateful and a long list of people to thank, but I leave with only one regret: in my estimation, I have fallen short of what was expected of me,” he said.
As a former broadcast journalist, Chavez emphasized his commitment to truth and integrity, values he carried throughout his government service. “I must tell the unvarnished truth about my resignation and not some manufactured reason,” he declared, staying true to the principles he learned during his early days as a reporter in the ‘80s.
Enter the New PCO Chief
With Chavez stepping down, he confirmed that veteran journalist Jay Ruiz will be taking over as the new PCO Secretary. To ensure a smooth handover, Chavez plans to introduce Ruiz to the PCO Management Committee on February 24, allowing for a week-long transition period.
“By March 1, it’s already a plug-and-play for him as the new PCO Sec. I am also hoping that this kind of transition can be institutionalized in all other agencies,” Chavez added.
A Grateful Goodbye
Despite leaving his government post, Chavez remains optimistic about the future of the country and his role in public service. “When the last day comes, I will leave with the same enthusiasm, gratitude, and hope for a better future for the country we love.”
His departure marks yet another change in leadership at the PCO, which has already seen multiple heads under the Marcos administration. Chavez took over from Cheloy Garafil in September 2024, who succeeded Trixie Cruz-Angeles, the first press secretary under Marcos Jr.
For now, Chavez bids farewell to the PCO, but his voice in public service is far from silent. As he put it, he's signing off—but certainly not signing out.
In a heartfelt statement, Chavez announced his "irrevocable" resignation, which he submitted on February 5, making it clear that his departure is a personal decision rather than a forced exit. However, despite leaving his role, he assured the public that his support for the Marcos administration remains unwavering.
“I will not be signing out as a believer in this administration, whose vision I will continue to support as I pursue endeavors outside of government but still within the realm of public service,” Chavez said.
A Reflection on Service
Having served since September 2024, Chavez expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to him by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling it “an honor of a lifetime.” However, he candidly admitted to feeling that he had fallen short of expectations.
“There is much for which I am grateful and a long list of people to thank, but I leave with only one regret: in my estimation, I have fallen short of what was expected of me,” he said.
As a former broadcast journalist, Chavez emphasized his commitment to truth and integrity, values he carried throughout his government service. “I must tell the unvarnished truth about my resignation and not some manufactured reason,” he declared, staying true to the principles he learned during his early days as a reporter in the ‘80s.
Enter the New PCO Chief
With Chavez stepping down, he confirmed that veteran journalist Jay Ruiz will be taking over as the new PCO Secretary. To ensure a smooth handover, Chavez plans to introduce Ruiz to the PCO Management Committee on February 24, allowing for a week-long transition period.
“By March 1, it’s already a plug-and-play for him as the new PCO Sec. I am also hoping that this kind of transition can be institutionalized in all other agencies,” Chavez added.
A Grateful Goodbye
Despite leaving his government post, Chavez remains optimistic about the future of the country and his role in public service. “When the last day comes, I will leave with the same enthusiasm, gratitude, and hope for a better future for the country we love.”
His departure marks yet another change in leadership at the PCO, which has already seen multiple heads under the Marcos administration. Chavez took over from Cheloy Garafil in September 2024, who succeeded Trixie Cruz-Angeles, the first press secretary under Marcos Jr.
For now, Chavez bids farewell to the PCO, but his voice in public service is far from silent. As he put it, he's signing off—but certainly not signing out.
Feb 20, 2025
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