MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has directed all presidential appointees in the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and its attached agencies to submit their “unqualified courtesy resignations,” as confirmed by Acting PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz on Saturday (01 March 2025).
In a memorandum dated February 25, 2025, Bersamin instructed incumbent PCO officials to tender their resignations by February 28. The purpose, according to the memo, is to allow the new PCO Secretary the flexibility to perform his duties and functions without constraints.
The resignation order comes after Ruiz was appointed and sworn in as the new PCO Secretary on February 24.
Clarifying the Scope of the Resignation Directive
Bersamin’s memo specified that the directive applies to all Presidential Appointees in agencies, offices, and bureaus under the PCO whose appointments are not permanent. It also applies to those appointed in acting capacities in government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) attached to the PCO, including those in holdover status.
Despite the resignation order, the affected officials have been instructed to continue reporting for work until they receive further guidance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Bersamin, or the new PCO leadership.
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