Neri at the SSS

There is no question that former NEDA and CHED chief Romulo Neri is capable in running the Social Security System. In fact, with his credentials, he is more than capable of running the SSS. Neri, after all, is an MBA graduate of UCLA, finance and international business major and a teacher of finance at the Asian Institute of Management. No doubt, he is the best person for the job.

What is wrong, however, is that Neri is associated with the NBN-ZTE Broadband deal controversy. When the people clamored for him to talk about the controversial deal, which reportedly involved President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, he clammed up. Neri refused to heed several calls and even subpoenas from the Senate for him to expose what he knows about the deal, especially the President's alleged involvement.

How can SSS members trust Neri now? We cannot blame people from speculating that he will just keep quiet if and when SSS funds will be used for the personal gain of the people in power. We cannot blame people if they think that Neri's appointment as SSS chief is the administration's payback for his silence in the NBN-ZTE deal. We cannot help if people think that the SSS appointment is meant, not only to keep Neri silent but also to make him totally forget, as in selective amnesia, about what he knows about the botched deal.

The sad reality, however, is that we cannot do anything about Neri's appointment to the SSS. All we can do is be vigilant in guarding the SSS funds, our funds. The fact that 2010, the election year, is nearing should make SSS members all the more vigilant. Let's face it.

  The P247.74 billion SSS fund, as reported by outgoing SSS president Corazon dela Paz, is tempting. Think about it. Why would the President appoint Neri to a position such as SSS president two years before the 2010 elections? Is it payback time? It could be. Is it time to prepare? Well, the early bird catches the worm.

Romulo Neri is qualified to be SSS president. With his background and his experience in government, he could really help in putting the SSS funds to good use. He is perfect for the position. If only there were no buts.

* *

Email: [email protected]