Manila, June 3 -- The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday deferred the confirmation of several Cabinet secretaries, including Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz, "due to lack of material time."

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has not withdrawn the PCO chief's ad interim appointment, according to Ruiz himself during an ambush interview at the Senate in Pasay City.

Ruiz said he spoke last week with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

"What he told me is to 'just focus on your job and continue with it because we have not withdrawn your appointment'," Ruiz said.

When asked about the next CA confirmation hearing, Ruiz said they have not been informed yet.

"It's the CA's call," he said.

He said the delay ...