Senate media director passes away at 62

MANILA, Philippines - Jose "Joegar" Garcia, head of the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau, passed away on Saturday, a press statement on Monday said. He was 62. Garcia died in Laguna, the statement said. The statement, however, did not specify the cause of death. A print journalist before he joined the Senate media office, Garcia served as reporter, deskman, and editor of various news organizations such as the Philippine Herald, the Philippine News Agency, the Manila Chronicle, Ang Bagong Dyaryo, the Sun Star Newspaper, and the Meteor. Garcia was survived by his wife Placida, daughter Sabina Christy, brother Juanito, and sister Miguela Panganiban. His remains lie in his family's residence at Block 11, Lot 59, Calendola village, San Pedro, Laguna. Interment details are to be announced later. - GMANews.TV