Gabriela Solons Push For Probe into the SSS Funds in Economic Stimulus Package, Review of SSS Charter

With members of the Social Security System (SSS) and Government Social Insurance System(GSIS), Assistant Minority Leader  and Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza together with Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan and Anakpawis Rep.Rafael Mariano today filed a resolution for the House of Representatives to investigate the implications to the benefits of private sector workers of SSS President Romulo Neri’s move to commit the P12.5 B of SSS funds to the Arroyo administration’s “economic stimulus fund” and to recommend measures including the review and possible amendments  to the SSS charter.

“SSS members have the right as fund owners to determine and decide on where their contributions should be invested or channeled into. Aside from the investigation on Neri’s pronouncement, there is a need to review the SSS charter to safeguard these social security funds for the benefit of its members,” Maza said.

“Malacanang’s concept of an ‘economic stimulus fund’ hardly addresses the increasing numbers of laid off workers. These funds should be used to directly assist the members who have been retrenched and those who are threatened to lose their jobs amid the financial crisis instead of their untimely infrastructure projects,” Maza said.

“SSS President Romulo Neri is accountable to about 27 million SSS members on how he is going to use their hard-earned money. We expect him to appear before the committee hearing this week and explain his move in committing P12.5 B SSS funds without due consultation to members.”

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Liza Maza has also set up an internet campaign, “PROTECT OUR FUNDS” through her Facebook account. An online petition, www.petitiononline.com/profund/, has also been launched by SSS and GSIS members to stop the use of their funds for public use.