New PCO chief vows stronger fight vs fake news

Veteran broadcast journalist Jay Ruiz yesterday formally assumed his post as President Marcos' new communications secretary, vowing to intensify the administration's fight against fake news and disinformation.

- With Delon Porcalla

Ruiz, who replaced Cesar Chavez, is the fourth to head the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) under Marcos.

Apart from Ruiz, lawyer Clarissa Castro also took her oath as PCO undersecretary yesterday.

Castro, who hosted a legal advice program on radio, was also designated "Palace Press Officer." She, however, clarified she is not Marcos' spokesperson.

Speaking to reporters at Malacañang, Ruiz underscored the need for the PCO to enhance its role in "providing clear, precise, informative and educational information" to allow the public to make informed decisions.

"Kailangan sa totoo tayo, hindi sa kasinungalingan. Bawal ang sinungaling (We need to be on the side of truth, not lies. There's no place for liars)," he said.

"Of course, many are spreading fake news today, we need to fight this. We will have public information responsibilities. If you are vloggers, you must be responsible, your responsibility to the people is to tell the truth," he said.