Award-winning author and journalist Jose Torres Jr. is new PIA chief

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 23) — Award-winning author and journalist Jose Torres Jr. has been appointed as the new director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Malacañang announced on Tuesday.

“I am grateful to President Marcos for the opportunity and the privilege to serve the country in these trying times of misinformation and disinformation,” said Torres in a statement.

He will replace Mon Cualoping, who resigned in April.

Torres is a two-time National Book Award recipient.

He began his journalism career at the Philippine News and Features in the late 1980s.

He also worked in Saudi Gazette, Isyu magazine, The Manila Times, The Philippine Post, and The Sunday Paper.

In the 2000s, Torres joined the online news platforms of ABS-CBN and GMA.

A decade later, he covered Pope Francis’ trips to Asia as a member of the Vatican Accredited Media Personnel.

The PIA is the national government’s information arm with 16 regional offices and 78 provincial information centers.