PHLPost Board Declares Michael Planas' Election as Postmaster General Invalid: Governance Violated, Monetary Claims Nullified

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In a dramatic turn of events that underscores the importance of ethical leadership and strict adherence to governance, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Board of Directors has taken decisive action to preserve the integrity of the state-run agency. The Board has formally nullified the election of former Chairperson Michael F. Planas as Postmaster General and CEO, citing a blatant violation of PHLPost’s revised Manual of Corporate Governance.

The stunning revelation was cemented in a Board resolution adopted on April 22, 2025, following the Governance Commission for GOCCs’ (GCG) legal opinion dated January 30, 2025. According to the GCG, Planas’ assumption of dual roles—as both Chairperson and CEO—contravened the very policy PHLPost itself institutionalized back in 2014: a strict separation of powers between the top executive post and the head of the Board to ensure a system of checks and balances.

Violation of Governance: A Crisis of Legitimacy

The GCG opinion highlights PHLPost Board Resolution No. 2014-150, which enshrines the fundamental principle that the Chairperson and CEO must be different individuals. This policy was designed to foster transparency, independent oversight, and accountability—elements that were all called into question by Planas’ brief yet controversial tenure.

More alarmingly, Planas had already been officially informed as early as July 15, 2024, that he could not legally serve as both Chairperson and CEO. Yet, he proceeded with administrative actions, including signing office orders and issuing termination notices to employees under the guise of authority he did not legally possess.

The Board's resolution not only voids Planas’ election but invalidates all office orders and issuances he signed during his unauthorized term—from June 18 to August 15, 2024. Moreover, all monetary benefits or entitlements he may have received in this period are also declared invalid.

GCG: Board Must Uphold Trust of the State

The GCG made it abundantly clear: the Governing Board is not just an administrative body—it is the legal trustee of the State, vested with all corporate powers of the GOCC. It is, therefore, the Board’s responsibility to ensure its decisions are legally sound, consistent with national governance policy, and always aligned with the public interest.

“The PHLPost Governing Board is in the best position to ratify or invalidate its previous actions,” the GCG said, reinforcing that the Board has not just the right but the legal obligation to protect the sanctity of its structure and decisions.

Luis D. Carlos Reinstated: Governance Restored

The chaos triggered by Planas’ unauthorized leadership was formally corrected on August 15, 2024, during a special board meeting that reaffirmed Luis D. Carlos as the legitimate Postmaster General and CEO. In the same session, former Justice Stephen C. Cruz was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as a new Member and Chairperson of the PHLPost Governing Board.

This marked a powerful return to proper corporate stewardship and a firm stance against governance violations.

Carlos’ Vision: Transformation Through Leadership

Under the steady leadership of Luis D. Carlos, PHLPost has not only restored its governance credibility but also made major operational strides. From launching modernization initiatives to bolstering its global standing, Carlos has demonstrated that good governance isn’t just a principle—it’s a strategy for progress.

Among his notable accomplishments:

Improved international postal performance, elevating the Philippines’ global index from 4th to 5th within a year of his appointment.

Revamped logistics systems and digital services, leading to greater efficiency.

Major enhancements to the Postal ID system, providing better access and utility for Overseas Filipinos and their families.

Carlos’ tenure represents a turning point—a period defined not by controversy but by clarity, innovation, and integrity. In his hands, PHLPost continues its transformation into a responsive and resilient institution.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Corporate Accountability

The invalidation of Michael Planas’ election as Postmaster General sends a resounding message to all government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs): no one is above the rules. The separation of powers within an institution is not a technicality—it is a pillar of effective governance.

As PHLPost moves forward under the rightful leadership of Luis D. Carlos and Chairperson Stephen C. Cruz, the agency renews its commitment to serve with transparency, accountability, and excellence.

In a world where public trust is easily lost but hard to regain, the Board’s actions speak volumes. Governance is not just about structure—it’s about courage, integrity, and the unwavering will to correct the wrongs of the past for the betterment of the public good.

Wazzup Pilipinas salutes this bold move by PHLPost’s Board—a stand not just for proper procedure, but for the soul of public service itself.

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