Cesar Chavez announced on Thursday that he is stepping down from his position as Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
In a Facebook post, Chavez stated that he had submitted his irrevocable resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last February 5.
"To use a broadcast parlance, I will be signing off as Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office on February 28, 2025, or anytime earlier when my replacement is appointed," said Chavez.
Despite his resignation, Chavez clarified that he remains a supporter of the Marcos administration and will continue to back its vision.
He emphasized that while he is stepping away from government, he will still pursue endeavors in the "realm of public service."
Chavez expressed his gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for the trust and confidence placed in him, calling the opportunity to serve an "honor of a lifetime."
"Although there is much for which I am grateful and a long list of people to thank, I leave with only one regret: in my estimation, I have fallen short of what was expected of me," Chavez said.
"It is to this fidelity to the truth–the bedrock belief to which I have anchored myself as a former broadcast journalist–that I must tell the unvarnished truth about my resignation,” he added.
He further stated that since his first day working in the administration, up until nearly two years and seven months later, he has approached each day as if it were his last, always striving to give his best.
''And when the last day comes, I will leave with the same enthusiasm, gratitude, and hope for a better future for the country we love,'' he stated.
Before his role as Acting Secretary of the PCO, Chavez served as the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) under the Marcos administration.
He took office as Acting Secretary of the PCO in September 2024, succeeding Cheloy Garafil, who is currently leading the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).
Former journalist Jay Ruiz is set to succeed Chavez as the new Chief of the PCO, a change confirmed by Chavez himself.
"I spoke to Jay Ruiz already. I informed him that I will introduce him to the PCO Mancom on Monday, Feb 24, so he can begin a week-long transition, so that by March 1, it’s already a plug-and-play for him as the new PCO Sec," said Chavez.
"I am also hoping that this kind of transition can be institutionalized in all other agencies," he added.
