President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former journalist and seasoned communications executive Dave M. Gomez as the Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), a Palace official announced Thursday.
Mr. Gomez succeeds veteran broadcast journalist Jay Ruiz, as confirmed by PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a Malacañang briefing.
Before his appointment to the PCO, Mr. Gomez had an extensive career with Philip Morris, where he held prominent communications management positions. His most recent role was Director of Global Communications and a member of the management team of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) from October 2019 until June 30, 2025.
His tenure at Philip Morris began in October 2001 as a public affairs and communications manager. He subsequently held key communications roles within Philip Morris International (PMI) in Switzerland, Philip Morris Asia Ltd. in Hong Kong, and eventually the company’s Philippine affiliate, PMFTC.
Before his corporate career, Mr. Gomez also served as Director General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) from January 2001 to September 2001. His professional background further includes experience as a public relations manager at the advertising firm Hemisphere Leo Burnett from 1999 to 2000, and as assistant media director for the political party Lakas-National Union of Christian Democrats (Lakas-NUCD) from 1997 to 1998. He started his career in journalism as a senior reporter for the Philippine Star newspaper from 1986 to 1997.
Mr. Gomez is an alumnus of the University of the East, and he earned his post-graduate degree from Arizona State University.
In a statement, outgoing Secretary Jay Ruiz expressed his gratitude, stating 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.”
Mr. Ruiz reflected on his service, saying, “It has been an honor to lead the PCO in advancing transparency, timely information, and responsible public communication.” He will transition to a new role as a member of the Board of Directors of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan and vowed to continue his wholehearted support for 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,” Mr. Ruiz added.
