The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) headed by Secretary Jay Ruiz has just committed an unforgivable error—that of passing off as news the conjecture or rumor that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant of arrest on former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Jay Ruiz said in an official announcement, dated March 9 and carried by the Philippine Star: “We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court against former president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. The government is prepared for any eventuality.”
The Office of the Solicitor General later clarified that they have not received any notice or communication from the ICC regarding the matter, and no confirmation was also forthcoming from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
After more denials from certain sectors and individuals in the know, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro, Palace press officer, had to issue this clarification: “No confirmation of issuance of warrant of arrest from the Palace.”
What does this make of Ruiz? The government’s chief fighter of fake news in social media and traditional media is himself the purveyor of false information.
The job of a press secretary or a press officer in Malacañang Palace is to relay reliable information, policies and utterances from the President to the public, through the press and various media platforms.
Included in this task is to promote and enhance a good working relationship between the President and his Cabinet members, and the media. Often, this job also entails defending the President from unfair criticisms and defending his policies however unpopular they are.
The Presidential Communications Office chief should have years of experience working in the news media, one who has gained the respect of his or her colleagues in this highly competitive profession, and one who brings to the office no baggage or issues that would tend to haunt him/her during his stay, and even reflect on the boss, the President.
Since his first week in office was spent dodging criticisms of financial involvement in government contracts, by a company where he once worked and had interests in, it stands to reason how Secretary Ruiz would be able to defend President Marcos from critics everywhere when he himself is facing formidable communication and personal problems.
Making himself a purveyor of gossip and rumors is unforgivable for a press sec. For shame.
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