Former Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz has been removed from his position as a member of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Board of Directors.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed Cherbett Karen Lucero Maralit to replace Ruiz on the MECO Board.

In a letter expressing his recommendation, the President stated, “It is my desire that Ms. Cherbett Karen Lucero Maralit be elected Member, Board of Directors, MANILA Manila Economic and Cultural Office, vice Jaybee C. Ruiz.”

To recall, the President moved Ruiz to MECO from his former post as PCO Secretary.

The change comes amid controversy after broadcaster and columnist Ramon “Mon” Tulfo alleged on November 20 that Ruiz was removed from his post as PCO chief following the disappearance of approximately ₱50 million from the agency’s vault.

Tulfo cited an unnamed source he referred to as a “tweety bird” within the PCO, claiming that the missing funds may have been allegedly used to pay influencers and vloggers to defend the Marcos administration.

The Palace quickly denied Tulfo’s claims, emphasizing that there is no evidence linking Ruiz’s removal to the alleged missing funds.

Meanwhile, Maralit, the former PCO Undersecretary, previously served as Deputy Resident Representative of MECO and was chief of staff to former MECO Chair Cheloy Garafil, who is now Secretary General of the House of Representatives.

Her appointment to the MECO Board of Directors was formally recommended by Marcos in a December 2, 2025, letter addressed to MECO Chairperson Corazon Padiernos.