Jay Ruiz

Jaybee C. Ruiz (born April 1974) is a Filipino broadcaster, journalist, and artist who has been serving as the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) since February 24, 2025, succeeding acting secretary Cesar Chavez. Ruiz is known for his extensive career in journalism, his contributions to media and public communication, and his advocacy for the arts.

Early life and education

Jay Ruiz was born to Alfonso "Chito" Ruiz, a longtime Mayor of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte for several terms. His father was recognized as one of the country's longest-serving mayors and later held key government positions, including Associate Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration and Head of the Land Registration Authority. Ruiz has four siblings, one of which is a judge.

Ruiz attended South San Francisco High School in the United States before returning to the Philippines to pursue higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Initially drawn to the performing arts, Ruiz explored a career in theater before transitioning to journalism. He later pursued graduate-level studies in Communication at the Ateneo de Manila University, though he did not complete the degree.

Career

Early career and broadcasting

Jay Ruiz is a veteran journalist who spent over two decades at ABS-CBN, covering major national and international events. He began his career reporting on the police beat and later covered the Liberal Party during the 2016 presidential elections.

Ruiz served as a senior reporter, correspondent, and manager at ABS-CBN News. He reported for major news programs, including TV Patrol, Bandila, The World Tonight, ABS-CBN News Channel, and DZMM. He also hosted several television programs, such as Alas Singko y Medya, The Explorer, and Balitang Middle East. Throughout his career, he covered critical national and international stories, investigative reports, and political affairs.

After leaving the media industry, Jay Ruiz transitioned into government service, working under then-Senate President Koko Pimentel during the Duterte administration as a Senate staff member. From 2016 to 2018, he served as a Political and Media Consultant for the Office of the Senate President.

In 2022, Ruiz co-founded Sentro Artista, an art gallery and café, alongside his wife Marjorie. Their business partners include Quezon City 1st District Representative Arjo Atayde, Quezon City 1st District Councilor Dr. Geleen Lumbad, and Joseph Lumbad. As an accomplished artist, Ruiz celebrated his birthday in April 2024 with an art exhibit at Sentro Artista, where his works were praised for their creativity and emotional depth. The gallery promotes Philippine art, culture, and cuisine.

In 2024, Ruiz launched his YouTube channel, "Jay Ruiz Talks at Sentro," where he conducted in-depth interviews with political figures and celebrities. Notably, he interviewed Dapitan City Mayor Bullet Jalosjos and former Quezon City District Representative Bong Suntay, who were both linked to the widely publicized breakup of celebrity couple Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque. The channel quickly gained popularity, amassing over 6,000 subscribers and 721,000 views within a short period.

Appointment as PCO Secretary

On February 20, 2025, Jay Ruiz was appointed as the new Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), replacing Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez, who resigned from the position. His appointment was confirmed by Chavez himself, who cited Ruiz’s extensive experience in media and communications as a key factor in the decision.

Ruiz became President Bongbong Marcos’ fourth communications chief since the start of the administration. His predecessors included lawyer-turned-vlogger Trixie Cruz-Angeles, who served for less than three months before stepping down, and Cesar Chavez, who resigned after more than a year in office. Ruiz’s appointment marked yet another change in Marcos' communications team. Ruiz took his oath of office on February 24 and assumed the position along with the newly-appointed Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro.

Personal life

Jay Ruiz is married to Marjorie Fe D. Ruiz, who serves as the creative director of Sentro Artista.

Ruiz is known for his advocacy for the arts and his support for cultural initiatives. He is also the cousin of Niña Ruiz Abad, a candidate for sainthood in the Catholic Church. He has publicly expressed his support for her beatification, emphasizing her life of piety and devotion.

External links

Jay Ruiz Talks at Sentro - YouTube Channel
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References

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{{Bongbong Marcos Cabinet

Filipino television journalists
Filipino artists
ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs people
Secretaries of the Presidential Communications Office
Bongbong Marcos administration cabinet members
Living people
1974 births
People from Ilocos Norte
University of the Philippines Diliman alumni
Ateneo de Manila University alumni