(UPDATES) THE monthlong power struggle for the postmaster general affecting the operations of the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) has ended.

Luis Carlos has unseated former Quezon City councilor Michael Planas as postmaster general and PHLPost CEO after being unanimously reelected by the board of directors, which is now headed by its new chairman, former Court of Appeals justice Stephen Cruz.

Members of the PHLPost Board of Directors unanimously reelected Carlos on August 15 during a special board meeting called for this purpose.

PHLPost is a government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC) in which the postmaster general and chairman shall be appointed to its governing board and nominated by the Philippine president, while the CEO is confirmed and elected annually by the members of the board, consistent with Republic Act 10149.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Carlos as acting postmaster general and member of the PHLPost Board of Directors on March 28, 2023. He assumed office as the new postmaster general and CEO on April 3, 2023.

However, in May 2024, President Marcos appointed Planas as chairman of the PHLPost Board of Directors.

Subsequently, the PHLPost Board of Directors elected him as its new postmaster general and CEO at the annual election last June 18.

On July 16, the President reaffirmed the appointment of Carlos as postmaster general and CEO of PHLPost.

Marcos also expressed his desire for Cruz to be elected board chairman.

This issue concerning leadership, particularly as to who the legitimate postmaster general and CEO is, has caused demoralization, division and distrust among employees, according to senior officials and managers at PHLPost.

The reelection of Carlos as postmaster general and CEO by the PHLPost board last August 15 ended the confusion.

Together with newly appointed PHLPost board member Ricardo Blancaflor, Carlos and Cruz were sworn in by the chairman of Pasay City's Village 191 Zone 20, Ronaldo Cantores, last August 15.

"I am honored and privileged to continue leading PHLPost through good governance," said Carlos in a statement issued on Saturday.

"As we embark on this journey of transformation and growth, together with the dedicated postal employees, we remain committed to delivering reliable postal services, embracing innovation, and fostering closer ties with our stakeholders."