Veteran journo Joe Torres takes oath as PIA chief

Veteran journalist and author Jose "Joe" Torres on Monday took his oath as the new director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil administered Torres' oath of office in a ceremony at the PIA office. Torres replaced Ramon Cualoping III.

In his inaugural speech, Torres said his appointment in the government was both an honor and privilege to serve the country. He thanked President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for appointing him to lead the PIA.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for giving me the opportunity to contribute my expertise to our country and its people," Torres, a former GMA News Online editor, said.

"It is a call to service as mentioned by our outgoing director general. It is an order to serve, an opportunity to offer one's talent and time, and sometimes treasure as all of you are serving in government," he added.

Torres vowed to engage in dialogues with the agency's regional offices in order to serve the public better.

Meanwhile, Garafil guaranteed that the PCO would work hand in hand with the PIA under Torres' leadership.

"I look forward to working with all of you, marami kaming nakikitang mga projects of course hindi lang dito sa main office but our regional offices will play a vital role in the projects that we are planning for the office. I hope you will support us," Garafil said in her remarks.

Under Marcos' Executive Order No. 16, the PCO has direct control over the PIA and other communication agencies such as the Presidential Broadcast Service, Bureau of Communication Services, News and Information Bureau, Freedom of Information, and the Radio Television Malacañang. —KBK, GMA Integrated News