Palace enumerates reasons why Duterte did not renew SSS commissioner La Viña

Issues of corruption about Social Security System Commissioner Jose Gabriel "Pompee" La Viña prompted President Rodrigo Duterte not to renew his appointment, Malacañang said on Saturday.

"The President has mentioned time and again that he will not tolerate even a whiff of corruption," Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

The terms of office of La Viña and SSS Chairman Amado Valdez, who are both serving holdover capacities, expired on June 30, 2017.

Roque said that among Duterte's considerations are La Viña's two requests for budget allocations for a social media project and an advertising program.

"First, former Comissioner La Viña demanded a budget of P26 million to fund his 'social media' project with him as TV host.  This was denied.  He then requested for a budget of P1.6 million per month for a media advertising program which was also denied," Roque said.

He also cited that La Viña had request the accreditation of seven brokers to handle SSS investments, which was denied "because these brokers could not meet the requirements."

Roque also cited La Viña's alleged "vilification campaign" against four SSS executives "who crossed his path."

"Two of the four executives resigned and one is now a consultant of the Secretary of Finance," he said.

La Viña filed an administrative complaint against executive vice president Rizaldy Capulong, Equities Product Development head Ernesto Francisco Jr., Equities Investment Division chief Reginald Candelaria and chief actuary George Ongkeko Jr. for allegedly profiting from stock market trading.

"Fourth, despite an ongoing investigation, Mr. La Viña called a press conference and spoke against these four executives," Roque said.

"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," the Palace official said. —ALG, GMA News