Clarification from SSS

This refers to the news item “SSS opens condonation plan for 132,000 delinquent employers” (Inquirer.net, 3/17/19).

The article stated that SSS officer in charge Aurora Cruz Ignacio temporarily replaced former commissioner Arthur Amansec, who left a vacancy in the Social Security Commission (SSC) after he passed away in January 2019.

We would like to clarify that president and chief executive officer Ignacio was originally appointed by President Duterte as a commissioner representing the employer sector and, at the same time, named chair of the commission in September 2018.

Republic Act No. 11199 installed the finance secretary as
ex-officio chair of the SSC. But even with this development, then Chair Ignacio retained her position as a commissioner.

Further, it was SSC commissioner Michael G. Regino who replaced former commissioner Amansec.

Although the article’s content regarding Ignacio’s appointment is not the main subject and was only mentioned in passing, we believe it is our responsibility to make the necessary clarification to avoid confusion.

MA. LUISA P. SEBASTIAN, Vice President, Public Affairs and Special Events Division, Social Security System