President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 23, officially appointed award-winning journalist and author Joe Torres Jr. as the new Director General of state-owned media Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Torres’ appointment letter was signed last March 19.

He will be succeeding PIA chief Ramon Lee Cualoping III who recently tendered his resignation.

In a statement, Torres vowed to strengthen PIA’s purpose of serving the public by disseminating accurate and timely information.

He extended his gratitude to the President for giving him the opportunity to serve the country.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Cualoping III said he submitted his resignation to PCO Secretary Cheloy Velircaria-Garafil last April 4.

“I am grateful for the opportunity, the distinct honor to have served as Assistant Secretary of the PCO from 2016 to 2020 and as the Undersecretary & DG of the PIA since 2020. I will always be proud to have worked with much merit, service, and excellence. With an unblemished record as a public servant sans the black propaganda waged by some individuals against my name,” he said.

Cualoping III assured that there will be a "smooth transition to his successor."

"I will always be proud to have worked with much merit, service, and excellence. With an unblemished record as a public servant sans the black propaganda waged by some individuals against my name," he said further.

Written by Stephanie Anne Santos, DZRH News Online Intern