Transparency

MANILA, Philippines - This is in reference to Mr. Babe Romualdez’s comments on the bidding of the Social Security System’s (SSS) Unified Multipurpose Identification (UMID) Card Project in his columns Babe’s Eye View (July 5) and Takin’ Care of Business (July 7).

Mr. Romualdez said there are “allegations that the whole bidding is being rigged,” and that “several sectors have expressed apprehension about the bidding process, with concerns that certain parties might be getting an undue edge over the other bidders.”

SSS wants this important project to be above suspicion. We would be glad to look into any allegations of irregularity but it should be supported by facts. We need something more concrete than just mere suspicions.

The SSS has conducted the bidding for the UMID project in open and transparent manner. In fact, for the past several months, SSS and other government agencies have been announcing major updates on the UMID in the spirit of transparency. As the lead agency, SSS provided details of the project in a press conference last April.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to air our side on the matter. — JOEL P. PALACIOS, Assistant Vice President, Media Affairs Department, Social Security System