Let axe fall on incompetent SSS managers - Sen. Marcos

Fire incompetent Social Security System (SSS) managers.

This was the call of Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos today saying the current crop of incompetent managers should face the axe to ensure efficient management of SSS funds and guarantee appropriate benefits for its members.

"They (SSS managers) are not doing their job very well. Kung ganyan nga, P2000 hindi nila kayang isuporta di maghanap tayo (ng iba). I'm sure merong mas magagaling dyan--I remember in previous years the SSS was much-better run," Marcos said during the "Kapihan sa Senado" media forum.

Indicative of mismanagement of SSS, he pointed out, is its very low collection rate of barely 40 percent and the losses it suffered from investment placements.

He said new SSS fund managers should be chosen not on the basis of political affiliation but solely on competence. "Let's find the best people who can run the best that we can," he said.

Marcos also bared that he has signed a proposed Senate resolution expressing the sense of the Upper Chamber that the P2,000 increase in the pension of SSS retirees should be given and that the President's veto of the bill granting such pension hike is unfortunate.

Marcos also brushed aside allegations that lawmakers pushing for the SSS pension hike are using the issue to score political points, particularly because of the coming elections this year.

"I disagree. It's an attempt to help the people. Nagsimula yan sa bawas sa income tax, tapos eto na yung SSS---both of which were vetoed and turned down by the Palace," he said.

In the meantime, Marcos believes it is best for the Executive and the Legislative to get together and try to forge a win-win solution for SSS members, particularly those who rely mostly on their pension for their daily expenses.