Fate of SSS chief up to Camacho — GMA

President Arroyo has left the fate of her embattled social security chief in the hands of her finance secretary.

Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said yesterday the President met with Social Security System (SSS) president Vitaliano Nañagas and Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho to look into ways of resolving problems involving the state pension fund.

Nañagas is currently under fire from SSS union employees over his proposal to privatize the SSS. Employees walked out of their offices yesterday to demand the resignation of the SSS chief, saying the sale of the pension fund would lead to job cuts.

Tiglao said Camacho has already come up with a solution to the problem. However, he declined to say if the solution involves Nañagas’ resignation.

The SSS chief, who will call a press conference today, said he would step down only upon orders of the President.

Mrs. Arroyo has made no indication that the SSS chief would be replaced. Earlier, former Pangasinan Gov. Oscar Orbos and a certain Gerry Kilayko were being rumored to take over the top SSS post.

Tiglao also pointed out that the President has also ordered finance officials to hold talks with disgruntled employees of the SSS.

Tiglao appealed for sobriety from employees, saying the protest action could delay processing of retirees’ loans.

Union spokesman Boyet Competente said the walkout was to demand the ouster of Nañagas, who allegedly abolished "all personnel-related committees" without consulting employees.

Competente said Nañagas also hired executives without consulting the SSS hiring and promotions board as mandated by law.

The employees would not return to their posts unless Nañagas was replaced, the union official said in a radio interview.

"There is no turning back. There will be no compromise," he said.

Tiglao denied there were plans to privatize the SSS, saying management was only seeking outside consultants to help manage investments.

Meanwhile, the SSS assured members of uninterrupted service despite the daily noon-break protest rallies staged by union employees.

SSS spokesman Joel Palacios said senior executives and branch managers in Manila and satellite towns and cities have ignored calls by the union to walk out from their work areas.

"Officials and employees under the national capital region group have stayed in their jobs and signed a manifesto of support for Nañagas," Palacios said. – Marichu Villanueva