Sacked SSS exec appointed tourism usec

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte’s former social media manager Jose Gabriel La Viña, who was fired from his previous post as Social Security System commissioner for allegedly proposing costly projects, is returning to the government. 

Duterte appointed La Viña as Department of Tourism (DOT) undersecretary last April 24, documents released by Malacañang yesterday showed. 

La Viña was the social media director of Duterte during the campaign for the 2016 elections.

He was named SSS commissioner in November 2016, but his term was not renewed when it expired on June 30, 2017. Last February, Duterte said he fired La Viña and SSS chairman Amado Valdez for “abuse of public funds.” 

Asked why Duterte gave La Viña a new government post, presidential spokesman Harry Roque replied: “Presidential prerogative.” 

La Viña is grateful for his new appointment as an undersectary of the DOT.

“I thank the President for his continuing trust and confidence in me. I am grateful for his friendship, which has only deepened after all that has occurred,” La Viña said in his official Facebook account.

In an earlier statement, Roque said La Viña was fired for proposing costly projects and vilifying his fellow officials.

Roque said La Viña had asked for a budget of P26 million to fund a social media project and a television show to be hosted by him, but his proposals were rejected.

Roque said La Viña had also sought a monthly budget of P1.6 million for a media advertising program, which was also denied.

La Viña was also fired for allegedly seeking the accreditation of seven brokers to handle SSS investments.

Roque said the request was rejected because the brokers could not satisfy some requirements. 

He also claimed that La Viña had embarked on a “vilification campaign” against four SSS executives “who crossed his path” and had held a press conference to speak against them despite an ongoing probe. 

“Let this be a reminder to all public officials that the President is serious in curbing corruption and has strong resolve to promote good governance,” Roque said in a statement released last February. – With Catherine Talavera