Michael Gonzales Regino (Photo from sss.gov.ph) MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has promoted Social Security System (SSS) Commissioner Michael Regino as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the state-owned firm, Malacanang confirmed Friday. "Kinukumpirma po natin ang appointment ni (We are confirming the appointment of) Mr. Michael Gonzales Regino as president and CEO of the Social Security System," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Undersecretary Michel Kristian Ablan said in a virtual Palace press briefing. Prior to his new stint, Regino was also a member of the Social Security Commission (SSC), the governing board of the SSS, representing the labor sector. He also served as chairperson of the SSC's information technology and collection committee and member of the risk management and investment committee. Regino earned his economics degree at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University where he graduated cum laude and salutatorian in 1981. He obtained his master's degree in business administration in 1985 from the Ateneo de Manila University. Before entering the government, Regino served as an executive for several mining firms like Agata Mining Ventures Inc., Exploration Drilling Corp., San Agustin Services Inc., St. Agustine Gold and Copper Ltd., and TVI Resources Development Phils. Inc. Regino was also the former president of Camella Homes, Golden Haven Memorial Parks, Inc., and MGS Group of Companies. Meantime, Ablan also announced the appointment of Dante Vargas as the deputy ombudsman for the Visayas. Malacanang has yet to release the appointment papers of Regino and Vargas. (PNA) }