De Claro assumes leadership of the Social Security System

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Social Security System (SSS) has announced the appointment of Commissioner Robert Joseph M. De Claro as its new Officer-in-Charge, effective October 11, following the resignation of Rolando Ledesma Macasaet earlier this month. The decision was made by the Social Security Commission (SSC), the policymaking body of the SSS.

De Claro, who has served on the SSC since January 11, 2023, representing the Employers' Group, brings a strong background to the role. As a Commissioner, he chaired the IT and Collection and Contribution Committee and participated in key committees covering audit, risk, investment, and governance.

In addition to his new role, De Claro has been a member of the board of UnionBank (UBP) and UnionBank Investment and Trust Corp. (UBIMTC) and a member of its Executive Committee (ExCom), Governance and Risk Committees since 2023. His experience in the financial and corporate sectors adds a valuable perspective to his leadership of the pension fund.

De Claro’s professional background spans over 32 years, including executive roles in both the public and private sectors.

De Claro began his career at Nestlé Philippines in 1993, eventually holding international positions as an Expatriate (OFW) in Australia and at Nestlé’s headquarters in Switzerland.


With his broad leadership experience across multiple industries, De Claro is well-equipped to lead the SSS in advancing its mandate of providing comprehensive social security protection to Filipinos.

Relearning the Role of Senators: A Call for Adaptation to the Complexities of Modern Governance

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Panahon na that we should unlearn (forget about what majority were made to believe) and relearn (evolve and adapt to what is now more apt and applicable to our current society that is already so convoluted)



In a society as dynamic and multifaceted as ours, it is crucial to challenge what we have long accepted as the norm. For too long, the public's perception of government functions, especially the role of senators, has been influenced by outdated ideas and oversimplified notions. It’s time for a recalibration—an unlearning of what we have been made to believe, and a relearning of how senators can truly serve a nation that’s increasingly complex, diverse, and fraught with challenges.

Let’s dive into the core responsibilities of senators and why these need to be understood differently in light of modern issues.

1. Lawmaking (Gumawa ng Batas)

At its core, the most visible function of senators is lawmaking, yet we often assume it’s just about drafting and approving laws. In reality, the complexity of lawmaking today goes far beyond that. Given the diversity of voices in our country, a one-size-fits-all lawmaking process no longer works. It's time we unlearn the idea that laws are just for governing. We must relearn that laws should be living documents, adaptable and flexible enough to address not just the current needs, but also the future realities of our nation.

In today’s convoluted world, laws should be created with foresight, ensuring they evolve alongside the social, technological, and economic changes that inevitably come. Our senators must be seen not merely as policymakers, but as visionaries who legislate for a future that is as unpredictable as it is promising.

2. Oversight (Tagapangasiwa)

Oversight is one of the most underrated yet critical functions of senators. The traditional understanding is that they investigate and review government actions to ensure everything operates within the bounds of the law. However, in today’s world, oversight needs to be more proactive. We must unlearn the passive assumption that oversight only occurs when something has gone wrong. Senators should instead take a preventive approach, constantly reviewing government actions, policies, and projects in real-time to avoid inefficiencies, waste, and corruption before they happen.

Relearn that oversight, especially in the digital age, should involve advanced data analysis, real-time monitoring systems, and the active involvement of civil society and private organizations. The government is no longer the sole arbiter of truth; transparency and accountability now involve diverse stakeholders who need to be brought into the process.

3. Budget (Badyet)

The budget is often viewed as numbers on a page—money allocated for different sectors, projects, and regions. But we need to unlearn this mechanical understanding of budgetary processes. Budgets are moral documents; they reflect our nation’s priorities, values, and future. Senators, therefore, play an even more significant role by ensuring that the national budget reflects the realities of climate change, economic inequality, technological advancement, and human development.

Relearn that budget allocation isn’t just about fairness; it's about sustainability and strategic thinking. As society evolves, senators need to champion a budget that is not only responsive to the pressing needs of the present but anticipatory of future global crises—from pandemics to climate change.

4. Appointments (Tagahirang)

The approval of presidential appointments might seem procedural, but it holds far-reaching implications. We need to unlearn the idea that this process is merely a rubber stamp exercise. Senators must carefully scrutinize appointees for their capacity to handle modern-day governance issues like digital transformation, economic recovery, and societal polarization.

Relearn that in a complex world, public servants should not only be competent but also adaptable, future-oriented, and deeply attuned to the challenges of an interconnected global society. Appointments should prioritize candidates who understand these intricacies, ensuring the country has leaders equipped to lead in uncertain times.

5. Impeachment Judges (Tagahukom)

Impeachment proceedings, while rare, are one of the highest forms of checks and balances. Unlearn the notion that impeachment is merely a political act. It is, in fact, a crucial test of our democratic institutions. Senators must approach impeachment with an understanding of its long-term consequences for public trust and the rule of law.

Relearn that impeachment trials are not just about punishing wrongdoing; they are about preserving the integrity of our institutions. In an era of rampant misinformation, transparency and fairness during these trials are essential to maintaining the public’s faith in our system of governance.

6. Treaty Concurrence (Kasunduan)

As globalization accelerates, treaties are more complex and interconnected than ever before. We need to unlearn the simplistic idea that treaties are mere agreements between nations. Senators now face treaties dealing with international trade, environmental protection, and cybercrime, all of which require a deep understanding of global dynamics.

Relearn that treaties are about safeguarding national interests while also playing a responsible role on the global stage. Senators must be globally aware, ensuring that our nation’s participation in treaties reflects both our domestic priorities and our responsibilities as part of the international community.

7. In Case of War (Magdeklara ng State of War)

The declaration of war is often seen as an extreme measure, but with global conflicts now involving economic warfare, cyberattacks, and environmental crises, the concept of "war" has evolved. Unlearn the outdated perception that war is just physical combat. In today’s world, wars are fought over resources, technology, and information.

Relearn that senators’ power to declare a state of war must be exercised with a broader understanding of modern warfare. They must consider not just military engagements but also economic sanctions, cyber defenses, and diplomatic negotiations, which can be equally devastating to national security.

8. Martial Law (Batas Militar)

Martial law evokes strong emotions and memories in the Philippines, and rightfully so. Unlearn the notion that martial law is purely about military control. Relearn that in a world where unrest can take on many forms—such as economic instability, public health crises, or technological breakdowns—martial law could be used or misused in various ways.

Senators must act as vigilant defenders of civil liberties, ensuring that the imposition of martial law remains an option of absolute last resort. They must balance national security with the preservation of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

9. Amnesty (Kapatawaran)

Amnesty can be a powerful tool for reconciliation, but we must unlearn the idea that it’s just about forgiveness. In the modern world, amnesty can serve as a tool for social healing and justice, especially in cases of systemic corruption, human rights abuses, and conflict.

Relearn that amnesty must be used to build lasting peace, ensuring that it aligns with a broader vision of justice, accountability, and national unity. It’s a tool not just for closing chapters but for opening new ones that promote healing and progress.

As we evolve as a society, it is critical that we relearn these essential functions of senators through the lens of modern governance. By challenging our old beliefs and embracing a more nuanced understanding of their roles, we empower ourselves to demand better leadership—one that can navigate the complex realities of today’s world and guide us toward a better future.

Pagpili ng Tamang Pinuno: Bakit Mahalaga ang Edukasyong Pondo at Track Record sa Ating Pagpili ng Opisyal ng Gobyerno

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Sa tuwing darating ang eleksyon, muli tayong haharap sa mahalagang responsibilidad na pumili ng mga indibidwal na magpapanday ng mga polisiya at magdidikta ng hinaharap ng ating bansa. Ang mga posisyon sa gobyerno, mula sa mga senador, kongresista, alkalde, at hanggang sa mga opisyal sa mas mababang antas tulad ng mga opisyales ng homeowners association, ay hindi lamang simboliko—ang mga ito ay may malaking epekto sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay.

Ngunit ang proseso ng pagpili sa mga opisyal na ito ay madalas na bumabagsak sa isang kompetisyon ng kasikatan imbes na sa kakayahan. Isang mapanganib na kalakaran ito na dapat nating itama.

Bakit Mahalaga ang Edukasyong Pondo?

Ang pamamahala ng isang bayan o bansa ay isang masalimuot na gawain na nangangailangan ng malalim na kaalaman at pang-unawa. Ang edukasyon ay isang pundasyon na nagbibigay sa isang opisyal ng kakayahang maunawaan ang mga komplikadong isyu tulad ng batas, ekonomiya, kalusugan, at pambansang seguridad. Ang paggawa ng mga batas at pagpapatupad ng mga polisiya ay nangangailangan ng kaalaman, hindi ng simpleng hinala o emosyonal na paghatol.

Bagamat hindi lamang edukasyon ang batayan ng kakayahan ng isang tao na mamuno, ang malalim na pag-aaral ng mga bagay na may kinalaman sa pamamahala ay mahalaga upang makagawa ng mga tamang desisyon. Isipin natin: kung ang hinaharap ng ating bansa ay nakaatang sa kanilang balikat, hindi ba nararapat na tiyakin natin na ang mga pinipili nating lider ay may sapat na kaalaman?

Higit pa rito, ang pagkakaroon ng edukasyong pondo ay patunay na ang isang kandidato ay handang maglaan ng oras at pagsisikap upang maghanda para sa mga responsibilidad na dala ng pamumuno. Kung sila mismo ay naglaan ng panahon para sa kanilang personal na pag-unlad, hindi ba’t ito ay isang senyales na maaari silang maging handa na harapin ang mga hamon ng pamahalaan?

Ang Halaga ng Track Record

Bukod sa edukasyon, ang track record o kasaysayan ng mga nagawa ng isang kandidato ay isang mahalagang batayan ng kanilang kakayahan. Ano ang kanilang nagawa sa mga nakaraang tungkulin? Mayroon bang mga konkretong tagumpay o repormang kanilang naipatupad? Pinanatili ba nila ang prinsipyo ng integridad at pananagutan?

Ang track record ay nagbibigay ng malinaw na larawan kung paano magtrabaho ang isang kandidato, kung paano sila magdesisyon, at kung paano sila kumilos sa ilalim ng presyon. Ito ang ebidensya ng kanilang kakayahan na maglingkod sa bayan. Sa pagpili ng mga lider na may maayos na track record, pinipili natin ang mga taong napatunayan na ang kanilang dedikasyon at kakayahan sa paglilingkod.

Lumampas Tayo sa Popularidad

Sa kasamaang-palad, ang eleksyon sa Pilipinas ay madalas nagiging isang labanan ng kasikatan. Ang mga artista, kilalang tao, o miyembro ng prominenteng pamilya ay nagiging sentro ng atensyon, hindi dahil sa kanilang kakayahan kundi dahil sa kanilang kasikatan. Ito ay isang mapanganib na kalakaran dahil ang atensyon ay nalalayo mula sa tunay na kakayahan at karanasan.

Bilang mga responsableng mamamayan, dapat tayong tumingin lampas sa pangalan o kasikatan ng isang kandidato. Hindi porket sikat sila, ay nangangahulugang sila rin ang pinakakarapat-dapat. Ang pamumuno ay hindi isang kompetisyon ng popularidad kundi isang hamon ng kaalaman, kasanayan, at dedikasyon sa paglilingkod.

Ang Suliranin ng Political Dynasty

Isa sa pinakamalaking balakid sa tunay na pagbabago sa ating bansa ay ang pag-iral ng mga political dynasty—mga pamilya na dekada nang may hawak ng kapangyarihan. Ang patuloy na paghawak ng iilang pamilya sa pamahalaan ay nagiging hadlang sa mga bagong ideya, nagpipigil sa paglago ng mga bagong lider, at nagpapatuloy sa tradisyon ng kurapsyon at patronage politics.

Ang mga miyembro ng political dynasties ay madalas nawawalan ng malasakit sa pangkaraniwang mamamayan dahil sila mismo ay nakakabenepisyo sa umiiral na sistema. Hindi nila nararamdaman ang pangangailangan ng tunay na reporma dahil komportable na sila sa kapangyarihan.

Sa halip na bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga tradisyonal na politiko na walang napatunayan kundi ang pagpapamana ng kapangyarihan sa kanilang mga pamilya, bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga bago at may integridad na mga lider na tunay na magpapatupad ng pagbabago.

Isang Panawagan para sa Matalinong Pagpili

Sa bawat eleksyon, huwag nating gawing batayan ang kasikatan, pangalan, o pagiging bahagi ng isang kilalang pamilya. Ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan ay nasa ating mga kamay, at ang mga pinuno na ating pipiliin ay magdidikta ng landas na tatahakin ng ating bansa sa mga susunod na taon.

Piliin natin ang mga may tamang edukasyon, malinaw na track record, at tunay na hangarin na maglingkod sa bayan. Sa ganitong paraan, masisiguro natin na ang ating mga lider ay handang magtrabaho para sa kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino, hindi lamang para sa kanilang pansariling interes.

Tayo’y maging matalinong botante—hindi base sa damdamin o kasikatan kundi base sa mga ebidensya ng kakayahan, kwalipikasyon, at isang malinaw na bisyon para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Ang pagpili ng ating mga lider, mula sa senador hanggang sa mga opisyales ng ating homeowners association, ay hindi dapat batay sa pangalan, tradisyon, o kasikatan—ito ay dapat nakabatay sa merito, kakayahan, at pagmamalasakit sa bayan.