New PCO chief ensures 'govt transparency, press freedom'
Newly-appointed Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez vows to continue 'to promote government transparency, safeguard press freedom, and defend every citizen's right to free speech.' Gomez, who replaced former PCO chief Jay Ruiz, took his oath of office before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a ceremony in Malacañang on July 11, 2025. Speaking to reporters, Gomez said that as PCO secretary, he would communicate and socialize the programs and policies of the President 'minus the politics.' 'Access to information is not a privilege - it's a cornerstone of accountability and public trust,' Gomez said during a media interview.
VIDEO BY CATHERINE VALENTE
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00:00Yes, this afternoon, I turned over the office to the new President of the Communication Office Secretary, Secretary David Gomez, please support him, and I wish him well, and good luck, sir.
00:15If you don't mind, may prepared statement lang ako, and I'll just read from the statement pa lang, mo.
00:26I am truly humbled and honored to be appointed head of the Presidential Communications Office.
00:44I am grateful to the President for the trust and confidence, and I intend to repay that trust with my 100% commitment and focus on this role.
00:54I also like to thank Secretary Jay Ruiz and his team for the warm welcome, and I thank him for his service to the people.
01:04A healthy democracy depends on an informed public.
01:08That's why we must continue to promote government transparency, safeguard press freedom, and defend every citizen's right to free speech.
01:18Access to information is not a privilege. It's a cornerstone of accountability and public trust.
01:27My role as PCO Secretary will be to communicate and socialize the programs and policies of the President, minus the politics.
01:37This is what I call my three P's minus one. Programs, policies, minus the politics.
01:46I see the PCSO as taking an active role in expanding the digital footprint of the administration, and we intend to do this by advancing digital transformation within the PCO.
02:01I look forward to working closely with the Malacanang Press Corps, and maraming salamat for having me here. Thank you.
