Malacañang directs PCO officials to tender courtesy resignations by February 28

DAVAO CITY — Malacañang has ordered all incumbent Presidential Communications Office (PCO) officials to submit their courtesy resignations by February 28, newly appointed PCO Secretary Jaybee Ruiz confirmed on Saturday.

Ruiz cited a memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on February 25, requiring all PCO officials appointed before his tenure to tender their unqualified courtesy resignations by the deadline.

The memorandum stated that the directive was issued “in the exigency of service and to give the new PCO Secretary a free hand in performing his duties and functions. “

The order applies to presidential appointees in agencies, offices, and bureaus under the PCO, as well as those in government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) attached to the agency who hold acting or holdover status.

“The above directive shall apply to (a) all Presidential Appointees in agencies, offices, and bureaus under the PCO whose appointments are not permanent and (b) all Presidential appointees in GOCCs attached to PCO whose appointments are in acting capacity, as well as those who are in holdover status,” the memorandum read.

“Until any action is taken by the President and/or the undersigned on such courtesy resignations, all covered incumbents shall continue to report for work and perform their usual duties and functions, subject to any further instructions that the President, the undersigned, and/or the new leadership of PCO may deem proper.”

The memorandum also ordered Ruiz to ensure that all covered incumbents are informed of the latest directive.

Ruiz, who was sworn in last week to replace former Secretary Cesar Chavez, has been tasked with ensuring that all affected officials comply with the directive.