Palace backs probe into SSS anomalies

Malacañang supported yesterday moves to investigate the reported irregularity at the Social Security System (SSS) where P331.7 million was spent for expenses in the last two holiday seasons.

Press Undersecretary Roberto Capco said Malacañang welcomed the probe being called by Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Lakas, Surigao del Norte), who criticized the SSS for spending the huge amount despite the pension fund’s P7-billion shortfall last year.

"Malacañang supports all efforts to unearth the truth about the mismanagement of the SSS during the past two years," Capco said.

"In fact, former SSS chief (Vitaliano) Nañagas was conducting an investigation into the issue," he said.

Citing the latest financial statements of the SSS, Barbers said the agency spent P143.3 million in 1999 and P188.4 million in 2000 for activities under the category of "Christmas expenses."

"The SSS really knows how to throw a party," Barbers said Saturday.

The Commission on Audit, he said, confirmed the holiday expenditures in its latest report on the SSS.

He said SSS officials will be asked to present a breakdown of the "multimillion Yuletide splurge" once the House of Representatives begins its probe on the just-resolved leadership crisis at the state-run pension fund.

President Arroyo named in early August accountant Corazon dela Paz as new president of the SSS to replace Nañagas, whose reforms proved unpopular with the agency’s employees.

Nañagas, a veteran banker, was subsequently re-assigned to head the Development Bank of the Philippines vice Ernest Leung, who was to be given special presidential tasks.

Barbers, in calling for the probe, expressed doubt that the expenditures went to additional bonuses for the SSS’ 4,000 employees, adding that the thought the money might have wound up in the pockets of the "fat cats" left a bad taste in the mouth.

Aside from the Christmas splurge, the SSS is also facing investigation after three of its officials were implicated by Nañagas as having been involved in anomalous behest investments in companies owned by deposed President Joseph Estrada.

Nañagas, before leaving his post, accused executive vice president Horace Templo, senior vice president Edgar Solilapsi, and international loans department head Lilia Marquez of being involved in the behest investments. – Paolo Romero