SSS gives its side

Dear Editor:

This is with reference to Ambassador Ernesto Maceda’s column article “Creating accounting,” which was published in the Daily Tribune on Jan.14.

Ambassador Maceda said Social Security Systems (SSS) President Romulo Neri received P750,000 while commissioners got P450,000 each as Christmas bonus.

We assume Ambassador Maceda has documents to support his allegations. He has an obligation to tell his readers the basis of his claims.

Mr. Neri and members of the Social Security Commission received bonuses in line with Circular No. 2005-6 of the Department of Budget and Management. This is only a fraction of the figures Mr. Maceda said.

He also described the SSS bonuses as “intelligence funds.” The SSS does not have intelligence funds. All its expenses are in accordance with the Social Security Law.

Unless Mr. Maceda can support his claims, he is spreading wrong information that can shatter people’s confidence in the SSS. This is grossly unfair to SSS members and stakeholders.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to correct misinformation through your publication.

Joel P. Palacios
Assistant Vice President
Media Affairs Department