Lawyer assumes acting chair role at Philippine state pension fund
A veteran lawyer took the oath as acting chairperson of the Government Service Insurance System board on June 9. The appointment follows earlier scrutiny of the fund's investments.
en.antaranews.comA veteran lawyer assumed the role of acting chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Government Service Insurance System on June 9. Finance Secretary Frederick Go administered the oath of office at the Department of Finance headquarters. The appointee replaces Rodolfo del Rosario Jr.
Background on the appointee The appointee previously served as director general of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. During that tenure the office was removed from the United States Trade Representative's Special 301 Watchlist. He also led the country's accession to the Madrid Protocol, which allows trademark owners to seek protection in 120 countries through a single application.
Earlier roles included undersecretary positions at the Department of Justice and the Department of National Defense, as well as chair of the anti-trafficking council.
Context for the appointment The appointment occurs while the pension fund addresses questions about prior investments in Alternergy Holdings Corporation and DigiPlus. The fund's president and general manager has stated that stakes in both firms will be sold once market conditions improve.
The Department of Finance said the acting chair will focus on fund sustainability, member services, and delivery of social insurance benefits to government employees and pensioners.
