President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former journalist and seasoned communications executive Dave M. Gomez as Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), a Palace official announced Thursday.
Gomez succeeds veteran broadcast journalist Jay Ruiz, PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced in a Malacañang briefing.
Before joining PCO, Gomez had a long career with Philip Morris, where he held top communications management positions, the last one as Director of Global Communications and a member of the management team of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) from October 2019 to June 30, 2025.
He first joined Philip Morris in October 2001 as a public affairs and communications manager and went on to hold key communications positions in Philip Morris International (PMI) headquartered in Switzerland, Philip Morris Asia Ltd. based in Hong Kong, and eventually the company’s Philippine affiliate, PMFTC.
Gomez also served as director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) from January 2001 to September 2001.
He was also the public relations manager at the advertising firm Hemisphere Leo Burnett from 1999 to 2000.
From 1997 to 1998, Gomez served as assistant media director for the political party Lakas-National Union of Christian Democrats (Lakas-NUCD).
Gomez was a senior reporter for the Philippine Star newspaper from 1986 to 1997.
He graduated from the University of the East and earned his post-graduate degree from Arizona State University.
In a statement, Ruiz said he “sincerely thanks President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his continued trust and confidence in appointing me to a new role in his administration, following the privilege of serving as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office.”
“It has been an honor to lead the PCO in advancing transparency, timely information, and responsible public communication,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz, who will be a member of the Board of Directors of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, vowed to continue wholeheartedly supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration in realizing the aspirations of Bagong Pilipinas.
“My almost five months as PCO Secretary have been a profound learning experience. I witnessed firsthand the nobility of public service, where every day presents an opportunity to serve the Filipino people and contribute directly to nation-building,” he added.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the PCO, our media partners, and the public for their unwavering support,” said Ruiz.
He also congratulated Gomez on his appointment as acting PCO secretary. “I am confident that under his leadership, the agency will continue to grow and thrive in fulfilling its vital mission,” Ruiz noted. | PND
