SSS retains top rank in SWS survey on anti-corruption efforts

The Social Security System (SSS) remained the top government agency in terms of sincerity in fighting corruption for the second straight year, according to results of an annual survey of Filipino business managers across the country.

The 2009 Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey of Enterprises showed that the SSS and the Supreme Court received a “good” net sincerity rating of +40, the highest among government institutions and second only to the +64 rating of Filipino business associations.

“The SSS values the trust of members and employers as manager of their funds, and this survey motivates us even more to provide them better services,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Romulo Neri said.

A total of 550 business managers from the National Capital Region, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao and Cagayan de Oro-Iligan participated in the SWS survey, which was conducted from November 3 to December 5.

SSS’ net sincerity rating of +46 was the highest among state-run agencies in the same SWS survey in 2008. It also placed third among government institutions with the most positive change in the past five years.

Ten percent of the respondents named SSS as “less corrupt” at present compared to five years ago and only one percent as “more corrupt” for a rounded off net rating of +8, which was behind only to the Department of Trade and Industry (+13) and Department of Health (+12).

Neri said the SWS survey reflects the general performance of SSS in its field and counter operations.

“It also indicates how members and the private sector appreciate the quality of SSS services that they receive from our employees,” he said.

The annual SWS survey, which is sponsored by The Asia Foundation, is part of the Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG) project.