Malacañang on Saturday said that Social Security System (SSS) Commissioner Jose Gabriel La Viña was sacked for demanding a P26-million budget to fund his social media project, among other reasons.
But this was denied, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
“He then requested for a budget of P1.6 M per month for a media advertising program which was also denied,” Roque said.
Last week, Malacañang announced the President Rodrigo Duterte had not renewed his appointment of La Viña and SSS Chairman Amado Valdez but stated no reasons for the decision.
La Viña has been serving in a holdover capacity since July 2017.
READ: SSS chair, commissioner sacked
Roque also said that La Viña had requested for the accreditation of seven brokers to handle SSS investments. The reqyest was denied because these brokers could not meet the requirements.
Moreover, he said, that La Viña had embarked on a vilification campaign against for SSS executives who “crossed his path.”
“Two of the four executives resigned and one is now a consultant of the secretary of Finance,” Roque said.
He noted that despite an ongoing investigation, La Viña called a press conference and spoke against the executives.
“Again, let this be a reminder to all public officials that the President is serious in curbing corruption and has strong resolve to promote good governance,” Roque said.
Last October, La Viña filed a complaint of “serious dishonesty and grave misconduct” against four executives:
- Rizaldy Capulong, executive vice president for investments
- Reginald Candelaria, equities investment division chief
- Ernesto Francisco Jr., equities product development head
- George Ongkeko Jr., chief actuary
He accused the officials of profiting illegaly by trading stocks for their personal accounts.
READ: SSS execs probed for profiteering
La Viña was a staunch Duterte ally and is known as the social media manager during the President’s campaign during the 2016 election. /atm