SSS PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS HEAD SAMMY SANTOS

MANILA, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) paid tribute to its public affairs head and veteran journalist Sammy Santos, who passed away on Saturday, June 29.

Santos, 63, who worked as a reporter and editor for various newspapers, including the defunct Manila Chronicle and Daily Globe, succumbed to complications after undergoing heart bypass surgery on June 5 at the Philippine Heart Center.

Joining the agency in February 2024 as vice president for Public Affairs and Special Events Division, Santos put his years of experience as a newsman to good use in the promotion and publicity of SSS programs and services.

His classmate from grade school to high school at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet offered his condolences to the family of Santos. He described Sammy as "an excellent journalist and a devoted friend."

"Today, I am deeply saddened to announce that I have not only lost a brilliant colleague at the SSS but a great friend whom I have known since childhood days in Zamboanga City and a grade school and high school classmate as well. I want to offer prayers of strength to his wife, Julie, and their children as they go through this difficult time," Macasaet said.

Before joining SSS, Santos had extensive experience in media relations, having served as the media director of the Senate of the Philippines from 2004 until he retired in 2023.

Santos' remains will be brought to the Aeternitas Chapel & Columbarium in Commonwealth, Quezon City on July 2.

His inurnment will be on July 5 at 9 a.m. at the same memorial chapel.

2024-07-02T04:09:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd