An opposition lawmaker called for the suspension of the contribution hike for members of the Social Security System (SSS), which begins this January, calling it a “cruel New Year’s gift” and “absolutely tone-deaf” to the high prices of basic commodities.
House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Party List Representative Arlene Brosas said the higher contribution rate of 15 percent for the state pension fund will further burden workers already struggling with the prices of goods and services.
“This is the government’s buena mano for 2025 – another round of burden for our workers… Bakit ba ipinipilit ng gobyerno na kumayod nang kumayod ang mga manggagawa para sa SSS contribution increase habang hindi naman sinisigurado ang maayos na benepisyo at serbisyo?” she said in a statement.
“This is essentially squeezing dry our already overburdened workers,” she added.
“Instead of implementing anti-poor policies, the Marcos Jr. administration should prioritize giving immediate economic relief to workers through wage increases and comprehensive social protection. Hindi dapat gawing New Year’s resolution ang pagpapahirap sa mga Pilipino,” Brosas added.
House Assistant Majority Leader and TINGOG Party List Representative Jude Acidre, meanwhile, said calls for the suspension of the SSS contribution hike should be studied carefully, taking into consideration the state pension’s fund life.
“It was a product of a legislation signed by former President Duterte. I’m sure it will have serious implications, especially with the actuarial health of SSS. Kasi nga tinaasan na rin yata ‘yung benefits and pension. So, kailangan lang pagtugmain ‘yun, at kailangan natin aralin nang mabuti kung ano ang magiging mas tama at akmang hakbang,” he explained.
“Kasi hindi pwedeng arbitrary i-suspend natin, pero ‘yung benepisyong ikinommit na before is nai-implement na. So those are the things that we need to carefully consider,” Acidre said.
Republic Act 11199, which was signed into law in 2019, imposes a one-percent increase in the SSS contribution rate every two years until it reaches 15 percent in 2025.
Of this amount, 10 percent will be shouldered by the employer, and the remaining 5 percent will be shouldered by the employee.
The SSS saw higher revenues in 2023 after it raised contributions that year.
