RESIGNED. Filmmaker Paul Soriano (3rd from right) takes his oath as Presidential Adviser for Creative Communications before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang Palace on Oct. 17, 2022. Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Thursday (Nov. 9, 2023) that Soriano has resigned from his post due to “personal commitments.” (Photo from PBBM Instagram)

MANILA – Presidential Adviser for Creative Communications Paul Soriano has resigned from his post, Malacañang announced Thursday.

Soriano tendered his resignation because of “personal commitments,” Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement sent to Palace reporters on Thursday night.

“Presidential Adviser Paul Soriano took a well-deserved break to spend time with his family and newborn daughter. He has since submitted his resignation to prioritize his personal commitments,” Garafil said.

She said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has yet to appoint his new presidential adviser for creative communications.

“There is no replacement for the role of Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications for now,” Garafil said.

Marcos designated Soriano as his adviser for creative communications in October last year.

The role of a Presidential Adviser for Creative Communications is to advise the President and assist departments and agencies, including government-owned and -controlled corporations, on matters that will enhance their information dissemination programs and initiatives.

Soriano has been behind Marcos’ campaign advertisements since the latter started as vice governor until the presidency.

He also supported Marcos’ electoral campaign with wife, actress and TV host Toni Gonzaga.

New appointments

Meanwhile, Marcos designated Rodolfo G. del Rosario Jr. as chairperson of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Del Rosario’s appointment was announced in a Facebook post by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Del Rosario was also named as a member of the GSIS Board of Trustees, along with Jocelyn D. Cabreza who will represent the banking, finance, investment, and insurance sectors.

In a separate statement, the PCO clarified that del Rosario was not a former official of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

“The correct appointee was the former Chairman of Century Rural Bank Inc. from 2006-2023. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Treasury & Management at ANFLOCOR (Anflo Management and Investment Corp.),” the PCO said.

“Mr. del Rosario boasts an impressive educational background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Economics from Richmond University and a Master’s in Business Management from the Asian Institute of Management. His expertise in anti-money laundering, corporate governance, risk management, and microfinance contributes significantly to his new role.” (PNA)