Palace: Duterte accepts resignation of GSIS chief

Resigned GSIS President Jesus Clint O. Aranas. (Photo from the GSIS website)

Updated @ 1:34 a.m., July 4, 2019, to reflect updated Palace statement

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the resignation of Clint Aranas as president of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo confirmed in a statement issued late Wednesday.

But it was not because the President had lost confidence in Aranas, as Panelo said in an earlier statement sent to the Malacañang Press Corps through Viber.

“Due to reports and allegations that there had been impropriety in the management of the GSIS leading to loss of confidence, the President has accepted Mr. Aranas’ resignation for his graceful exit from office,” the first statement reads.

More than two hours later, the presidential spokesman issued another statement through Viber, this time omitting the paragraph about loss of confidence.

In his second statement, Panelo said instead: “The President has accepted Mr. Aranas’ resignation without any reason nor any comment.”

Asked if he was retracting the first statement, Panelo said: “Yes, there was a mistake in the statement. The latest is validated.”

READ: Duterte accepts GSIS chief Aranas’ resignation

“The President is now looking for a worthy replacement for the vacated post who would not only safeguard the hard-earned money of government workers but would also ensure that the same would redound to the benefit of the GSIS members, bearing in mind the promotion of their welfare and interest,” Panelo added.

Aranas handed in his resignation on Monday, but Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who earlier confirmed the acceptance of the resignation, said the former GSIS chief gave “no reason” for his move.

READ: Palace confirms GSIS chief Aranas’ resignation