GSIS chairman Daniel Lacson resigns

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Former Negros Occidental Governor Daniel Lacson has resigned from his post as chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

This was confirmed by Lacson to Rappler on Thursday, June 25. He cited health reasons for his resignation: “Since last year, I’ve been having problems with my health. I have uncontrolled blood pressure due to stress. My doctor advised me slow down.”


He said he submitted his resignation last year and was approved by Malacañang on May 24, 2015. Usually, it is Malacañang that announces the resignation of its cabinet members, however, Lacson’s resignation leaked in Negros Occidental.

When asked if he knew who would replace him, Lacson said that “I’d rather leave that to Malacañang.” The former governor was appointed as GSIS chairman by President Benigno Aquino III in 2010.

Lacson, with the help of the board, revolutionized services at the GSIS by conducting stakeholders’ dialogues in key cities around the country, and implementing reforms that created positive impact on millions of its pensioners and members.

Lacson described his experience with GSIS as “very meaningful and fulfilling.”

He added “it was quite challenging because there were a lot of problems before.” He said that they conducted dialogues and met with members nationwide. “Listening to their problems allowed us to change the policies that would affect the members to improve their situation and benefits with GSIS.”

He said that members were happy with the reforms. “It’s easier now to access. We have set up GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System all over the provinces and highland branches,” Lacson said.

“Before, members from Sulu (would) have to stay overnight in Zamboanga to file a loan. We empowered branches so they can process their loans there. We also have call centers that members could call if they want to ask the status of their records,” Lacson said.

He said he is fulfilled when the stakeholders are happy.

The net assets of GSIS as of December last year was pegged at P910 billion, he said. Lacson revealed that it was P560 billion when he came in 2010 and  added that they are trying to reach P1 trillion by next year.

Lacson received an award from Aquino last year for the reforms he made at GSIS. He was awarded with the Corporate Governance Exemplar Award for leading the men and women of the Board of Trustees of GSIS in institutionalizing dialogues and consultations. He found that this was the most effective mode of educating GSIS members and pensioners of their rights and privileges.

He found that stakeholders were a valuable source of feedback in devising auspicious policy reforms. Lacson had stressed that the board is given topmost priority to policy amendments, investments, and cultural change.

Lacson was governor of Negros Occidental from 1986 to 1992, where he was also chairman of the Regional Development Council-6. – Rappler.com