‘Why is SSS chief going with GMA to Rome?’

Government officials that want to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II should think twice before they make an unscheduled pilgrimage to the Vatican.

Questions were raised yesterday over the apparent inclusion of Social Security System (SSS) chairman Thelmo Cunanan and his wife, newspaper columnist Belinda Olivarez—Cunanan, in the "exclusive and small group" that would accompany President Arroyo to the burial of the Pope.

Also in the party are Ambassador Leonida Vera and Mrs. Gina de Venecia, wife of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, who has been criticized for staying in an expensive hotel suite in Las Vegas to watch the boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales, will not join the trip to the Vatican.

In an interview, the president of the Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) hit what he called the "unnecessary" trip of Mr. Cunanan.

"Anong kinalaman ng SSS sa Vatican (What has the SSS got to do with the Vatican)?" Courage president Ferdinand Gaite asked rhetorically.

Gaite said attendance at the Pope’s funeral was the domain of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"That is why we have ambassadors," he said.

Opposition Rep. Rolex Suplico of Iloilo also questioned the role Mr. Cunanan would play in the President’s party.

"I’m sure many are similarly wondering why the two are part of this so small and exclusive group," he said.

But a family member contacted by The STAR said Mrs. Cunanan would "be paying her own fare" and would not take part in the funeral rites.

He said Malacañang would be in a better position to clarify Mr. Cunanan’s official role in the delegation.

SSS president Corazon de la Paz said she had not heard about the reported trip of the Cunanans. "I do not think the chairman will ask the SSS for any support if it is not related to SSS activities," she said.

Cunanan was reportedly scheduled to go abroad for personal reasons, De la Paz said. — With Jess Diaz, Ted Torres