MANILA, Philippines — Gilbert U. Dee has ended his active service on the board of China Banking Corp. (Chinabank), closing a career that spanned almost 60 years at one of the country’s oldest banking institutions.
Chinabank’s board accepted Dee’s resignation as vice chairman and executive director, effective October 7, 2026. He likewise stepped down as chairman of CBC Properties and Computer Center Inc., a Chinabank subsidiary.
The bank appointed Dee as chairman emeritus, recognizing his long tenure and contributions to the institution. In the honorary role, he is expected to remain a source of advice and guidance to the bank.
Dee first joined Chinabank’s board in 1969 and eventually served as chairman for 22 years. He moved to the vice chairmanship in 2011.
His career at the bank is closely tied to its founding history. Chinabank was established in 1920 in Binondo by Dee C. Chuan, Albino SyCip, and other Filipino-Chinese businessmen. The Dee family remained involved in the bank’s leadership for decades.
One significant chapter came in 1975, when Dee accompanied his father to Taiwan for talks involving a foreign shareholder’s stake. The move helped the bank comply with Philippine ownership rules and supported its plans to expand its branch network.
Dee also advocated changes in Chinabank’s management approach, including greater delegation of authority and stronger professional management as the institution grew.
The SM Group entered Chinabank’s ownership structure in 2004 under the leadership of the late Henry Sy Sr. Members of the Dee family continued to serve in key positions even as the bank developed under the new shareholder structure.
With Dee’s transition to chairman emeritus, Chinabank marks the end of his active boardroom leadership while retaining his institutional experience and connection to the bank. #
Source: INSIDER PH
