Outgoing SSS chief tells employees to support Neri

MANILA, Philippines - Outgoing Social Security System President Corazon de la Paz on Thursday asked employees of the pension fund to support her successor Romulo Neri. In an exclusive GMA News report, Paz became emotional at the farewell party organized by her staff at the SSS office. SSS employees serenaded De la Paz with songs to thank her for leading the agency for seven years. De la Paz filed her “unexpected" resignation, citing health condition. On Friday, De la Paz will transfer the SSS leadership to Neri, who was implicated in the controversial ZTE-NBN deal. “Of course I’m overwhelmed and I’m very thankful to them for what we have accomplished. I never have done this alone," De la Paz said. Some employees rushed to the SSS lobby in Quezon City to bid goodbye to their departing boss. “Para siyang isang mother na nag-aalaga sa anak parang ganoon (She is like a caring mother to us)," said Rosemarie Pastes, an SSS employee. SSS employees have mixed feelings about Neri. “Actually wala kaming welcome [ceremony]…I don’t know with the others pero sa rank and file…may welcome ba tayo kay Neri?" Carolina Basilio, SSS Union President SSS, asked her co-workers. But Earth Burgos, De la Paz’ executive assistant, said they would have a welcome party for Neri. “The way we welcome si Ma’am (De la Paz) sa SSS in 2001 yun din po ang ibibigay namin kay Secretary Neri. As what Ms De la Paz told us mabait na tao rin si Neri," Burgos said. - GMANews.TV