Bersamin named GSIS chair

MANILA, Philippines — Former chief justice Lucas Bersamin, who retired from the Supreme Court four months ago, is now the chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

“The Palace confirms that President Duterte has approved the nomination of Mr. Lucas P. Bersamin as chairperson of the Government Service Insurance System,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said yesterday.

Bersamin’s appointment was signed by the President on Feb. 6.

The order also assigns the former chief justice as member of the GSIS Board of Trustees to serve the unexpired term of Jesus Clint Aranas, former GSIS president and general manager, until June 30, 2020.

Duterte announced in July last year that he had fired Aranas over reports of alleged corruption.

However, Malacañang later downplayed the issue, saying that Aranas just filed his resignation and that the President accepted it. 

Panelo expressed confidence that the GSIS will be in good hands, citing Bersamin’s good public service record. 

“Mr. Bersamin has a sterling record of public service capped by a 10-year service in the Supreme Court where he assumed the position of chief justice in 2018. Former chief justice Bersamin finished law at the University of the East in 1973 and placed 9th in the Bar examinations thereafter,” he said.

“We are confident that Mr. Bersamin would serve the GSIS with the same dedication and integrity he demonstrated in his many years of government service,” Panelo added