Leadership change in Presidential Security Command didn't violate any policy—Palace exec

Terminating Maj. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales from his command at the Presidential Security Command (PSC) and designating a new commander did not violate any rule amid the ban on personnel movements within the government during the election period.

"Ayon po naman sa date na iyan hindi naman po nag-violate ng anumang polisiya or order or batas. So, naaayon pa rin po iyan (According to the date, it did not violate any policy or order or law. So, it is still in accordance)," Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, March 5.

Morales was terminated from his post, effective March 4. His replacement, Brig. Gen. Peter Burgonio, also assumed the post on March 4.

According to the Civil Service Commission (CSC), personnel movements, hiring, and promotions in government agencies during the 2025 election period is prohibited.

Exceptions apply only for essential roles requiring the authorization of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Transfers or details are banned from Jan. 12 to June 11, 2025, without prior Comelec approval, while hiring and promotions are suspended from March 28 to May 11, 2025, including new positions, salary increases, or privileges.

Comelec Resolution 11059, however, stated that "a prior written authority from the Commission is not required for the transfer or detail of uniformed personnel of the AFP, being an exempt service and not under the civil service law."

Formerly known as Presidential Security Group (PSG), the PSC is a highly trained and dedicated unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) responsible for the protection of the President and other high-ranking officials.

Meanwhile, the Palace press officer said it was not mentioned whether Morales' removal from the command was due to the alleged spying incident on the Palace.

"Wala pong nabanggit sa atin na ganoon. Lumabas na lamang po na iyon nga po ang kaniyang command will be considered terminated dahil mayroon na pong papalit bilang PSC Commander (That was not mentioned to us. It only appears that his command will be considered terminated because he already has a replacement as the PSC Commander)," Castro said.

She added that Morales' command was terminated because he was assigned to another position.  

"Na-terminate po iyong kaniyang command dahil po ililipat po siya ng ibang duty – iyon lamang po ang maaari nating sabihin patungkol po diyan sa PSC (His command was terminated because he was transferred to a different duty—that's all we can say about the PSC)," Castro said.

READ MORE: Palace confirms leadership change at Presidential Security Command