PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has not renewed the appointments of Social Security System (SSS) chairperson Amado Valdez and commissioner Jose Gabriel Laviña, Malacañang said on Monday, February 12.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. announced in a press conference that as a "presidential prerogative," both Valdez and Laviña were told that their respective stints at SSS have been "discontinued effective immediately."
"The Executive Secretary has formally informed Mr. Jose Gabriel M. Laviña (or) Pompee, as well as and Mr. Amado D. Valdez, that their term of office, both of which expired 30 June 2017 as commissioners of the SSS, will not be renewed," he told Palace reporters.
Roque said "no reason" was cited, except that the SSS officials are both in a "hold-over" status.
Reading the letter addressed to Valdez and Laviña, they were informed that "upon the instructions of the President, your service in the SSS is hereby discontinued effective immediately."
State-run pension fund SSS is mandated to establish, develop, promote and perfect a viable tax-exempt social security system suitable to the needs of the Filipino people.
The decision not to renew Valdez and Laviña's appointments come amid a proposal to raise the SSS contribution rate to 14 percent from the current 11 percent. President Rodrigo Duterte is still studying the recommendation of the pension fund. (SunStar Philippines)