Aranas quits GSIS; Duterte appoints Robles to UN

MANILA, Philippines — Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas tendered his resignation effective yesterday.

GSIS vice president for corporate communications Marge Jorillo confirmed the resignation in a text message, citing “personal reasons” for Aranas’ departure.

In a letter addressed to President Duterte, Aranas did not elaborate on his reasons for resigning, stating only that he is quitting with his integrity intact.

Last week, Aranas said the GSIS remains keen on selling its 672,645-square-meter property in Port Area, Manila, which is currently occupied by the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) under an agreement with the Philippine Ports Authority, which does not have permission from the GSIS.

He disputed the claim of ICTSI president and chairman Enrique Razon, who said that GSIS only has a “naked title” of the property, which means it has no right to use the land. However, Aranas said this “does not preclude GSIS from disposing of the property.”

Meanwhile, President Duterte has appointed one of the members of the consultative committee drafting the proposed federal constitution as the Philippines’ permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, Malacañang said last Monday.

Duterte signed Rodolfo Robles’ designation on July 1, replacing Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. who held the post since 2016 before his appointment to the DFA last October.