President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has accepted the resignation of Corazon dela Paz as president and chief executive officer of the Social Security System and named Chairman Romulo Neri of the Commission on Higher Education as her successor.

Dela Paz’s resignation will take effect on July 31 and therefore Neri will take over as administrator of the Social Security System starting August 1. Press Secretary Jesus Dureza does not know the reason why the president chose Neri to replace dela Paz. Meanwhile, the appointment has been met with opposition from several legislators and civil society. At least three senators and a congressman opposed the designation of Neri, calling it “unwise,” “reward” for his loyalty, “alarming,” and a “big bribe.”