Lawmakers urged to partner with SSS to help members pay contribution

MANILA, Philippines — Instead of pushing for the cancellation of the premium hike, the chief of the Social Security System (SSS) urged lawmakers and private individuals to partner with the agency to help members who cannot afford to pay their contributions.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph de Claro, in a Palace briefing on Tuesday, responded to calls of some groups and individuals to suspend the hike due to its impending burden to those who are already struggling with the rising prices of essential goods.

READ: Opposition mounts vs SSS premium hike

“To our legislators who want to help SSS, instead of suspending this increase, why don’t we sit down and discuss how you can help our workers by entering into agreement with SSS on a contribution subsidy program which is open to all private individuals. Those who are living comfortably, we encourage you to also work with SSS,” he said.

De Claro encouraged them to participate in the SSS’ contribution subsidy program, which allows individuals and groups to shoulder the contribution of those having a hard time paying for their contributions.

Last January 3, veteran labor rights advocate Neri Colmenares urged the SSS to suspend the implementation of the hike, calling it “absolutely unconscionable.”

Former SSS chief Rolando Macasaet also released a statement the following day urging Malacañang to order the temporary suspension of the hike.

Labor groups Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers Private Schools also joined the mounting calls to suspend the increase.

READ: SSS chief: Only amendment of law can stop premium hike

In the same Palace briefing, de Claro remained firm that the one percent contribution increase, which starts this January, can no longer be canceled unless there are amendments in the law.

“Kami sa SSS, kami’y sumusunod lang sa batas na napapaloob itong Social Security System,” de Claro said, referring to Republic Act No. 11199, or the act Rationalizing and Expanding the Powers and Duties of the Social Security Commission to Ensure the Long-Term Viability of the SSS.

(Here in SSS, we simply follow the laws governing the Social Security System.)

If ever lawmakers decide to revisit the law for possible cancellation of the hike, the implemented one percent increase would still be enforced until it was finalized that the hike is no longer in effect, he said.