Bersamin orders courtesy resignations of PCO appointees

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has issued a memorandum directing all presidential appointees in agencies, offices, and bureaus under the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to submit their unqualified courtesy resignations. 

Bersamin explained that this move is intended to allow the newly appointed PCO Secretary a 'free hand' in carrying out his duties and implementing his policies.

According to the memorandum, all affected appointees must submit their resignations to the PCO Secretary no later than February 28, 2025 (Friday).

The directive applies to:

• All presidential appointees in agencies, offices, and bureaus under the PCO who do not hold permanent appointments.
• All presidential appointees in government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) attached to the PCO serving in an acting capacity or are in holdover status.

Despite the required courtesy resignations, affected officials are instructed to continue reporting for work and performing their duties unless further action is taken by the President, the Executive Secretary, or the new PCO leadership.

Bersamin has also ensured that all covered personnel are informed of the directive and that compliance is closely monitored. 

Veteran journalist Jay Ruiz on Monday took his oath as the new secretary of the Presidential Communications Office earlier this week. No other than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. administered Ruiz’s oath of office.

Ruiz replaced Cesar Chavez, who resigned after saying that he had "fallen short of what was expected of him." According to Chavez, he submitted his irrevocable resignation to Marcos Jr. last February 5, 2025. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News