SOCIAL Security System Commissioner Jose Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña on Wednesday said there is a mafia-like syndicate inside the agency to favor media contracts.
Following the filing of multiple charges against 21 SSS officials before the Office of the Ombudsman, at a media briefing, La Viña said he had received information “from [people from] the outside and from the inside” alleging a mafia there [at SSS].
“Look at the way they appoint. If you are a friend of them, they can change the requirements in your favor. If you are not a friend, your papers get lost [somewhere],” he added.
He maintained that SSS executive vice president Rizaldy Capulong and 20 other officials violated the Government Procurement Reform Act.
“It is true, and that can be proven that they did not follow the procurement law,” he said.
He called on the 21 respondents to resign from their post to protect the integrity of the SSS as an institution.
He reiterated that the contracts amounting to P146 million in 2016 to 2017 for advertisements of print, radio, and broadcast media outlets were coursed through direct contracting, instead of a public bidding.
In a 62-page complaint, La Viña included senior vice president May Catherine Ciriaco, Media Affairs Department head Ma. Luisa Sebastian and Corporate Communications head Sonia Guinto as respondents.
Also named as co-respondents were Josefina Fornilos, Antonette Fernandez, Eleonor Cinco, Jean Lagrada, Geronimo Valeza, Helen Abolencia, Johnsy Mangundayao, Guillermo Urbano Jr., Belinda Ella, Boobie Angela Ocay, Normita Doctor, Jocelyn Evangelista, Renato Jacinto Cuisia, Joselito Vivit, Froilan Misa, Hydee Raquid and Nancy Santos.
La Viña said the 21 SSS officials and employees also committed serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.